Using Telehealth to Educate Geriatrics on the Risk of Depression during COVID-19

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this quality improvement project was to present a 10-minute online presentation to a geriatric population aged 65 years old and older about the clinical manifestations of depression, biological and other known risk factors of depression, provide resource options that are available, and when to contact a healthcare provider. Background: The COVID-19 pandemic is a global public health crisis. At the greatest risk of the pandemic is the geriatric population due to their age and chronic health care morbidities. The COVID-19 pandemic has suspended social interactions, enforced statewide lockdowns, and implemented social distancing. Although social isolation can potentially be lifesaving in older adults, the feelings of loneliness can negatively affect the older adult’s mental health. Methods: This quality improvement project included a group of nine volunteer participants from the University of Arizona’s Telehealth Learning Center, who were 65 years old or older. The theoretical framework that drove this project was Lewin’s change model. A Zoom session was held in which the participants were asked to complete a pre-test survey, view the educational video, and complete a post-test survey. Results: Data collection took place prior to the educational presentation, and immediately after, with all nine participants completing both, the pre-test survey and post-test survey. There was a 11.1% increase in the knowledge of risk factors for depression, 77.8% of participants were able to identify clinical manifestations of depression which resulted in no change, and an increase in the ability of participants to identify when to seek help for depression and an improved self-perceived likelihood of seeking help Conclusion: This quality improvement project helped to improve the participant’s knowledge of depression at a basic level. Educating older adults on the risk of depression during the COVID-19 pandemic is key to the likelihood of seeking help.