Enhancing homework adherence of Chinese older adults: A case study using Instrumental Reminiscence Intervention.
OBJECTIVE
The present study aimed to examine effective clinical strategies that facilitate homework adherence among Chinese older adults who participated in group therapy using Instrumental Reminiscence Intervention (IRI) to reduce depressive symptoms.


METHODS
Examination was based on IRI for 15 groups of older adults, with four to eight participants in each group. Homework assignment was included as a core component of the intervention in each session, except the first session. Particular emphasis was put on both homework design and assignment strategies.


RESULTS
Two effective strategies were developed. The first was the development of a tactic card as a tool for homework content and assignment. The second strategy was interventionist training. Clinical examples are used to illustrate how these strategies can enhance homework adherence in a Chinese context.


CONCLUSIONS
The two clinical strategies were found to be effective in enhancing homework adherence among Chinese older participants in a group therapy setting. These strategies are recommended for use in group clinical settings for Chinese participants. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2016; 16: 1153-1160.
Sau Po Centre on Ageing, The University of Hong Kong. wlou@hku.hk.|Department of Social Work & Social Administration, The University of Hong Kong. wlou@hku.hk.
Vivian Wei Qun
VW
Lou
Department of Social Work & Social Administration, The University of Hong Kong.
Judith Wing Nam
JW
Au
Department of Social Work & Social Administration, The University of Hong Kong.
Jacky Chak Pui
JC
Choy
D000368:Aged; D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D015331:Cohort Studies; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000208:ethnology / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D015577:Geriatric Assessment / Q000379:methods; D006723:Hong Kong; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010349:Patient Compliance / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011615:Psychotherapy, Group / Q000379:methods*; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D016896:Treatment Outcome
Chinese older adults; Instrumental Reminiscence Interventions; group therapy; homework adherence