Efficacy of an online intervention for treatment of depressive disorders: a three-arm randomized controlled trial comparing guided and unguided self-help with waitlist control (Preprint)

Krämer, Rico

doi:10.2196/preprints.34028

Cited by 2 publications

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A Digital Gaming Intervention to Strengthen the Social Networks of Older Dutch Adults: Mixed Methods Process Evaluation of a Digitally Conducted Randomized Controlled Trial

Janssen,

Châtel,

Den Heijer

et al. 2023

JMIR Form Res

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Background Digital loneliness interventions for older adults are promising, yet conclusive evidence is lacking due to a lack of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and difficulties with recruitment. Process evaluation of performed RCTs is essential to inform future interventions. Still, it is rarely carried out, resulting in an overly optimistic view of the impact of eHealth interventions on loneliness in older adults and options to conduct such research entirely remotely. Objective We describe a mixed methods process evaluation of a digitally conducted RCT assessing the effectiveness of a mobile social gaming app to facilitate meaningful social interactions in older adults. Methods We analyzed the questionnaire and game data of the RCT participants to evaluate recruitment and onboarding, intervention adherence, and intervention acceptability. The RCT participants were allocated either to the main group of older adults (aged 65 years or older) or the side group (aged between 18 and 64 years). The side group used networking to play with the older adults. We also conducted 6 post-RCT evaluation interviews and 1 focus group with a total of 4 RCT participants and 5 welfare organization representatives that aided in RCT recruitment. Results In total, 371 people aged 18 years or older signed up for the RCT, of which 64% (238/371) were aged 65 years or older. Of the total sample, 20% (76/371) installed the app and signed informed consent, showing a large dropout during onboarding. The high number of questions was a relevant barrier for participants. Both questionnaire and gameplay adherence were low. Participants indicated that the games elicited contact and a feeling of togetherness and proposed challenging and competitive games with increasing difficulty levels. They suggested focusing on enjoying the games rather than administering questionnaires. Conclusions Conducting a remote digital trial of a social gaming intervention for older adults is a great challenge. Remote recruitment and informed consent acquisition may often not result in sufficient participation. Personal engagement with fellow participants and researchers might be essential for adherence and enjoyment. Future digital gaming interventions should start with small-scale studies with in-person contact, repeated instructions, and fewer questionnaires.

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A Digital Gaming Intervention to Strengthen the Social Networks of Older Dutch Adults: Mixed Methods Process Evaluation of a Digitally Conducted Randomized Controlled Trial

Janssen,

Châtel,

Den Heijer

et al. 2023

JMIR Form Res

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

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A Digital Gaming Intervention to Strengthen the Social Networks of Older Dutch Adults: Mixed Methods Process Evaluation of a Digitally Conducted Randomized Controlled Trial (Preprint)

Janssen¹,

Châtel²,

Heijer³

et al. 2022

Preprint

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BACKGROUND With the digitalization of society and increasing loneliness due to population aging, the potential for digital loneliness interventions is growing. This article describes the mixed methods process evaluation of a digitally conducted randomized controlled trial, evaluating a mobile gaming application newly designed to improve the social connectedness of community-dwelling older adults. OBJECTIVE This paper aims to evaluate a social gaming application in community-dwelling older adults through a mixed-methods process evaluation of a digitally conducted randomized controlled trial (RCT). METHODS The RCT compared two gaming conditions with a control group. We included adults aged 65 years and over. The process evaluation involved a focus group and semi-structured interviews with the RCT participants and welfare organizations to explore barriers and facilitators for app usage and gameplay and analyzed questionnaire adherence, game engagement, network measures, and retention. RESULTS Of the 372 people who signed up for the RCT, 76 adults installed the app and signed informed consent, of whom 33 were 65+. The baseline completion rate of questionnaires was 36%, rapidly declining during follow-up. Participants experienced the app differently, varying from engaging to too simple or too complex. Participants suggested challenging and competitive games with increasing difficulty levels. Repeated instruction and in-person and personal contact were deemed essential to reach and engage the intended population. CONCLUSIONS Conducting a digital trial of a social gaming intervention for older adults is a great challenge. Evaluation of future digital gaming interventions should start with small-scale studies with personal contact and fewer questionnaires. CLINICALTRIAL ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04733898

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Efficacy of an online intervention for treatment of depressive disorders: a three-arm randomized controlled trial comparing guided and unguided self-help with waitlist control (Preprint)

Cited by 2 publications

References 0 publications

A Digital Gaming Intervention to Strengthen the Social Networks of Older Dutch Adults: Mixed Methods Process Evaluation of a Digitally Conducted Randomized Controlled Trial

A Digital Gaming Intervention to Strengthen the Social Networks of Older Dutch Adults: Mixed Methods Process Evaluation of a Digitally Conducted Randomized Controlled Trial

A Digital Gaming Intervention to Strengthen the Social Networks of Older Dutch Adults: Mixed Methods Process Evaluation of a Digitally Conducted Randomized Controlled Trial (Preprint)

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