Accepted for/Published in: JMIR Research Protocols
Date Submitted: Aug 5, 2020
Date Accepted: Oct 27, 2020
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Digital interventions for depression and anxiety in older adults: A systematic review protocol
ABSTRACT
Background:
There is a high prevalence of older adults experiencing depression and anxiety. In response to heightened demands for mental health interventions that are accessible and affordable, there has been a recent rise in the number of digital mental health interventions (DMHIs) that have been developed and incorporated into mental health treatments. Digital interventions are promising in their ability to provide researchers, medical practitioners, and patients with a personalised tool for assessing behaviour, consultation, treatment, and care that can be done remotely. Reviews and meta-analyses have shown the benefits of DMHIs for the treatment and prevention of depression, anxiety, and other mental illnesses, but there is still a lack of studies that focus on the benefits and use of DMHIs in the older population
Objective:
The aim of this systematic review is to investigate the current evidence for the effect of technology-delivered interventions, such as through smartphone/tablet applications, remote monitoring and tracking devices, and wearable technology for the treatment and prevention of depression and anxiety in older adults over the age of 50.
Methods:
Academic databases including SCOPUS, PsycINFO, AgeLine (EBSCO), and Medline (PubMed) will be searched from January 1, 2010 to the date of search commencement to provide a review of existing randomised controlled trial (RCT) studies. The search will include 3 key concepts: “older adults,” “digital intervention,” and “depression/anxiety.” A set of inclusion criteria will be followed during screening by two reviewers. Data will be extracted to address aims and objectives of the review. The risk of bias for each study will be determined using appropriate tools. If possible, a random-effects meta-analysis will be performed, and the heterogeneity of effect sizes will be calculated.
Results:
Searches will be conducted in September 2020. The review is anticipated to be completed by April 2021
Conclusions:
The data accumulated in this systematic review will demonstrate the potential benefits of technology delivered interventions for the treatment of depression and anxiety disorders in older adults. This review will also identify any gaps in current studies of aging and mental health interventions, thereby navigating a way to move forward and paving the path to more accessible and user-friendly digital health interventions for the diverse population of older adults. Clinical Trial: International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) CRD42020192532
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