Engage! A pilot study of brief behavioural activation to promote engagement and wellbeing in older adults.

A group-based behavioural activation program designed to enhance activity engagement and well-being among older adults. Physical or informational materials: Participants were provided with an information sheet detailing the purpose of the trial. They were also provided with a workbook comprising handouts for all six sessions when they commenced the program. These handouts included information about wellbeing, and introduced daily activity scheduling. These handouts were designed specifically for the study. Procedures, activities, and/or processes used: Due to necessary social distancing measures, the nature of the intervention was changed from the original modality (4 x face-to-face group sessions and 2 x individual telephone calls) to a telehealth format (comprising 6 x telephone or video sessions dependent of participant's preferred medium). One group of 8 participants commenced the program prior to the introduction of social distancing measures, and completed 2 x group sessions face-to-face, then completed remaining sessions via telehealth. All other participants completed all sessions by telehealth. Session content remained consistent regardless of delivery mode, and included discussion of wellbeing and behavioural activation, followed by support in creating and implementing a schedule of activities that aligned with individuals' values. Who will deliver the intervention: The program was facilitated by two postgraduate clinical psychologist trainees. The facilitators had previously had training in BA and group delivery through their postgraduate training and participated in weekly on-site supervision meetings facilitated by Trevor Mazzucchelli who has been a registered clinical psychologist for 25 years, has a behaviour therapy background, and has undertaken previous research relating to behavioural activation. Mode of delivery: Delivery mode was changed from mixed face-to-face group and individual telephone delivery to a telehealth format (comprising 6 x telephone or video sessions dependent of participant's preferred medium) due to introduction of social distancing measures. The first 8 participants completed two face-to-face group sessions prior to moving to telehealth. Telehealth sessions were conducted with individuals or, where both members of a couple were participating and requested it, couple sessions. Number of times the intervention will be delivered and over what period of time: Sessions were conducted once per week for six weeks regardless of delivery mode. Face-to-face sessions for the first two weeks for the first 8 participants were approximately 90 minutes duration, plus breaks. Telehealth session duration varied between sessions and participants, but was typically approximately 60 minutes. Adherence to the intervention was monitored through the use of an attendance record for group sessions, recording of telehealth sessions, and completion of session checklists. Location where the intervention occurs: Face-to-face sessions conducted on-site at a community-based aged care accommodation provider. Telehealth sessions conducted remotely.