Methods and baseline characteristics for a social engagement technology-based randomized controlled trial for older adults

Elizabeth A. Lydon, George Mois, Shraddha A. Shende, Dillon Myers, Margaret K. Danilovich, Wendy A. Rogers, Raksha A. Mudar

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Background: Growing evidence suggests that increasing opportunities for social engagement has the potential to support successful aging. However, many older adults may have limited access to in-person social engagement opportunities due to barriers such as transportation. We outline the development, design, methodology, and baseline characteristics of a randomized controlled trial that assessed the benefits of a social engagement intervention delivered through the OneClick video conferencing platform to older adults with varying levels of cognitive functioning. Methods: Community-dwelling older adults with and without cognitive challenges were randomly assigned to a social engagement intervention group or a waitlist control group. Participants were asked to attend twice-weekly social engagement events for 8 weeks via OneClick. Outcomes included social engagement and technology acceptance for both groups at baseline, week-4, and week-8 assessments. As an extension, the waitlist control group had an opportunity to participate in the intervention, with outcomes assessed at weeks 12 and 16. Results: We randomly assigned 99 participants (mean age = 74.1 ± 6.7, range: 60–99), with 50 in the immediate intervention group and 49 in the waitlist control group. About half of the participants reported living alone (53.5%), with a third (31%) falling into the cognitively impaired range on global cognitive screening. The groups did not differ at baseline on any of the outcome measures. Conclusions: Outcomes from this study will provide important information regarding the feasibility and efficacy of providing technology-based social engagement interventions to older adults with a range of cognitive abilities.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article number101308
JournalContemporary Clinical Trials Communications
Volume39
DOIs
StatePublished - Jun 2024

Keywords

  • Cognitive impairment
  • Older adults
  • Randomized controlled trial
  • Social engagement
  • Technology
  • Videoconferencing

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pharmacology

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