Background & Rationale: Many older adults in the community experience symptoms of depression,
but few receive adequate treatment, which can include medications or psychotherapy (talk
therapy). Problem-Solving Therapy (PST) is a very effective psychotherapy for depression, but
psychotherapy such as PST is usually not available to older adults due to high cost, limited
resources, and other barriers such as lack of transportation. Internet-delivered
psychotherapy is a more accessible option that can be as effective as traditional
face-to-face therapy.
Research Question and Objectives: The overall aim of this project is to improve access to
psychotherapy for older adults by developing, adapting and implementing a new evidence-based
treatment option, Ger-iPST. Towards this aim, our objectives are to:
Develop the Ger-iPST intervention.
Examine the effectiveness and implementation of Ger-iPST: 2a. Measure the preliminary
effectiveness of symptoms of depression in older adults; 2b. Explore barriers and
facilitators to the use of Ger-iPST among participants and experiences with
implementation.
Methods: The investigator will implement and evaluate the effectiveness of Ger-iPST in
Calgary, Alberta. Ger-iPST is an 8-week online psychotherapy program with online therapist
support based on Problem Solving Therapy (PST), a proven and safe psychotherapy for
depression in older adults. Ger-iPST will be tailored to the specific needs of older adults
with relevant content (e.g. modules using aging-related examples); process adaptations (e.g.
more repetition); and digital usability modifications. Participants will complete weekly
online Ger-iPST modules, and the investigator will measure symptoms of depression before,
during, and after completing the program. The investigator will also collect information on
symptoms of anxiety, quality of life, and disability. The Ger-iPST intervention will be
hosted on an existing, secure, cloud-based psychotherapy platform, Online PsychoTherapy Tool
(OPTT). All quantitative data collection will occur using questionnaires on the platform.
Following completion of the Ger-iPST modules, participants will be interviewed to provide
feedback on acceptability and barriers and facilitators to the use of Ger-iPST. These results
will be used to improve and adapt the resource to best suit the needs of older adults.
Treating depression improves functioning, emotional well-being, and overall health among
older adults. Many older adults prefer psychotherapy over (or in addition to) medication for
the treatment of depression, and given that a growing number of older adults use the
internet, internet-delivered therapy has the potential to greatly improve access to treatment
for older adults with depression.