Project HOPEFUL (Helping Older PErsons Find Useful Links): Replicating a Partially Nested Randomized Control Trial With Implementation Science
University of Florida
Summary
This PN-RCT replicates and evaluates an 8-week warm calling treatment (i.e. caring contacts) delivered to older adults receiving home and community-based services (HCBS; classified as "homebound") in 20-30 minute call "dosages", across 3 conditions, while adding in implementation science measures at multiple levels. Conditions include 2 treatment (i.e. treatment provided by helpers trained in a standardized and manualized Belongingness and Empathy training grounded in narrative reminiscence and the befriending literature (BE condition), and treatment provided by helpers trained in BE + a standardized, manualized, and evidence based suicide intervention training, the Aging Variant of LivingWorks ASIST (BE + ASIST condition), and 1 control (no treatment during the trial; opportunity to receive treatment after the 8 weeks). At the conclusion of treatment, acceptability, appropriateness, feasibility, useability, and sustainability of the program will be evaluated by interventionists, senior center leadership, and regional leadership.
Description
This clinical trial replicates and evaluates the BE WITH caring contacts program, equipping the Aging Services Network (ASN) with proven skills to reduce social isolation, loneliness, and elevated suicidality, while also promoting social support/well-being, and learning from the Aging Services Network about what is and is not working for long term sustainability. The study team will also learn specifically what provider behaviors contributed to mental health improvements through the quantitative coding and analysis of audio files as well as the long-term impacts of receiving the 8 week treatme…