title: Can a short internet training program improve social isolation and self-esteem in older adults with psychiatric conditions?
abstract: The purpose of this study was to investigate whether an educational training course on using the internet and touchscreen technology (TT) would decrease social isolation and improve self-esteem in residents living in a low-level residential facility. Twelve sessions over six weeks with two facilitators were provided to five participants with a variety of psychiatric disorders. Measures were completed before and after the 12 sessions. There were no statistically significant improvements or worsening in social isolation (mean score 6.2, SD 3.35) or self-esteem (mean score 18.2, SD 3.56) post the training sessions for the residents. Qualitative feedback suggested that the residents enjoyed this experience and learnt new skills. Further study is recommended using larger samples and alternative outcomes measures.
authors.affiliation: Academic Unit for Psychiatry of Old Age,Department of Psychiatry,University of Melbourne,34-54 Poplar Road,Parkville,Victoria,3052,Australia.
authors.forename: Samantha M
authors.identifier: 0000-0002-4953-4500
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Loi
authors.affiliation: NorthWestern Aged Mental Health,Royal Park Campus,Building 5,Level 1,34-54 Poplar Road,Parkville,Victoria,3052,Australia.
authors.forename: Samuel
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Hodson
authors.affiliation: NorthWestern Aged Mental Health,Royal Park Campus,Building 5,Level 1,34-54 Poplar Road,Parkville,Victoria,3052,Australia.
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Huppert
authors.affiliation: NorthWestern Aged Mental Health,Royal Park Campus,Building 5,Level 1,34-54 Poplar Road,Parkville,Victoria,3052,Australia.
authors.forename: Jodie
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Swan
authors.affiliation: NorthWestern Aged Mental Health,Royal Park Campus,Building 5,Level 1,34-54 Poplar Road,Parkville,Victoria,3052,Australia.
authors.forename: Angela
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Mazur
authors.affiliation: Academic Unit for Psychiatry of Old Age,Department of Psychiatry,University of Melbourne,34-54 Poplar Road,Parkville,Victoria,3052,Australia.
authors.forename: Nicola T
authors.initials: NT
authors.lastname: Lautenschlager
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D040561:Assisted Living Facilities; D003200:Computer User Training / Q000379:methods; D004493:Education / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology; D015397:Program Evaluation; D012649:Self Concept; D012934:Social Isolation / Q000523:psychology*; D013664:Teaching Materials
keywords: aged care; health aging; psychosocial interventions; residential facilities