Grief in old age - Acceptability of a web-based self-management intervention from the perspective of persons affected and health care experts

Problem

Experiencing the death of a close relative or friend is a common life event in later life and has been associated with severe negative effects on mental health and role functioning. While eHealth interventions have received increased attention in the field of mental health within the last years, older adults with mental health problems and their specific needs seem to be underserved both in the non-digital and in the digital sector of primary health care. The objective of the pilot study was to assess usability and acceptability of an internet-based self-management intervention for older adults with prolonged grief symptoms.

Approach

The pilot study comprised a questionnaire survey with N=15 older adults (60+) with previous loss experiences. Participants were recruited through health care providers and peer support groups. All participants received login data to access a self-management eHealth intervention targeting on prolonged grief in later life. The eHealth intervention has been developed at the University of Leipzig by mental health care professionals. Data were collected at baseline (before access to the intervention). At two-month follow-up still N=12 participants filled out the survey (response rate 80%). Data collection included information on previous loss experiences, treatment of grief symptoms, severity of grief symptoms, symptoms of depression, internet usage behavior, as well as usage and acceptance of the eHealth intervention.

Findings

Participants were on average 66.5 years old and predominantly female (86.7%). Loss experiences perceived as most burdensome comprised the loss of a spouse (57%) or other relatives (28.5%). N=12 participants took part in the follow-up assessment. Out of those, nine participants (75%) accessed the eHealth intervention. All of the nine participants rated the intervention as satisfactory or very satisfactory. The intervention achieved a good/excellent usability with a usability score of 82.5% (USE-Questionnaire).

Consequences

First results show that older people can benefit from using an eHealth intervention for coping with grief. Study findings show good usability and high user acceptance. The pilot study precedes a randomized controlled trial that will assess the effectiveness of the intervention.