Abstract Body

Background and purpose: Loss experiences are common in later life and have been associated with negative effects on mental health. Older adults and their needs seem to be underserved both in the non-digital and in the digital sector of mental 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.

Methods: The pilot study comprised a survey with N=15 older adults (60+) with loss experiences. Participants were recruited through health care providers and support groups. Participants received login data to access the eHealth intervention (trauer@ktiv.de), which 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 months follow-up still N=12 persons took part in the study (response rate 80%).

Results: Participants were on average 66.5 years old and predominantly female (86.7%). Loss experiences comprised mostly the loss of a spouse (57%) or other relatives (28.5%). Overall, nine out of 12 participants at follow-up (75%) accessed the eHealth intervention. Participants rated the intervention as satisfactory or very satisfactory. The intervention achieved good/excellent usability with a score of 82% (USE-Questionnaire).

Conclusions: Results show good usability and high user acceptance for the eHealth intervention targeting older adults with grief symptoms. Recruitment of the target group and uptake of the intervention need age- and symptom-specific approaches. The pilot study precedes a randomized controlled trial assessing the effectiveness of the intervention.