Geri-Mobile Health: Feasibility of a VA Mental Health Mobile Apps Coaching Program for Older Veterans

ABSTRACT

Objectives

This program evaluation examined the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effects of an individualized coaching program to help older Veterans use VA mental health mobile apps to address mental health and well-being goals.

Methods

The program delivers individual technical and clinical support to facilitate the use of mobile devices and VA apps. Participants completed assessments of mobile device proficiency, app use frequency, app comfort, quality of life, and mental health symptoms (completed by a subset, n = 11) pre- and post-participation.

Results

Of 24 enrollees, 17 completed the program and received an average of 7.58 (SD = 2.87) sessions including the initial assessment. Mobile device proficiency (t (16) = −3.80, p = .002) and number of days/week apps were used (t (16) = −2.34, p = .032) increased significantly from pre- to post-participation. Depressive and anxiety scores decreased significantly (t (10) = 3.16, p = .010; t (10) = 3.29, p = .008) among the subset completing those measures. Overall satisfaction was high; 100% reported they would recommend the program.

Conclusions

Findings suggest the program is feasible, highly acceptable, and increases mobile device proficiency and use of apps.

Clinical Implications

Coaching programs can equip older adults with the skills to use mental health apps.

KEYWORDS:

• Digital clinic
• mental health
• mobile apps
• older adults
• technology

Acknowledgments

The authors wish to acknowledge contributions to this project from Flora Ma, Christine Juang, and Ira Yenko in serving as coaches. The authors appreciate the assistance from Ashley Scales in helping to establish our initial data collection. Views expressed in this article are those of the authors and not necessarily those for the Department of Veterans Affairs or the Federal Government.

Disclosure statement

The authors have no financial disclosures to report.

Additional information

Funding

The project received funding support in FY2018 from the United States (U.S.) Veterans Health Administration Geriatrics and Extended Care Services. The first author is supported by the VA Advanced Fellowship in Geriatrics.