Comparing the efficiency of eight-session versus four-session memory intervention for older adults.
Evidence that reduced treatment achieves similar outcomes is beneficial because shorter interventions may be more cost-effective and more acceptable to participants. We examined the effects of shortening a memory intervention for elders from eight sessions to four sessions. Shortening the intervention had little impact on either self-reported or performance measures of memory and daily living activities. Small to moderate effects were associated with positive changes in both groups. When examining cost-effectiveness, an eight-session intervention produced slightly greater gains in memory performance, but at a higher cost. Future studies should systematically vary key intervention components in more diverse samples.
Becker
Heather
H
University of Texas at Austin, School of Nursing, Austin, TX, USA. heatherbecker@mail.utexas.edu
McDougall
Graham J
GJ
Douglas
Nora E
NE
Arheart
Kristopher L
KL
D000368:Aged / Q000523:psychology; D001288:Attention; D001294:Attitude to Health; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D003479:Curriculum; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007389:Internal-External Control; D016014:Linear Models; D008297:Male; D008569:Memory Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000523:psychology; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000458:organization & administration*; D012064:Relaxation Therapy; D012648:Self Care / Q000379:methods* / Q000523:psychology; D020377:Self Efficacy; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013781:Texas; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome