Acceptability of a Behavioral Activation Intervention for Functioning in Older Veterans

TL;DR

A telehealth-based behavioral activation intervention was found to be acceptable and effective in improving functioning among older Veterans.

Contribution

This study adapts and evaluates a brief behavioral activation protocol for older Veterans at risk of functional decline, delivered via telehealth.

Findings

Participants reported high satisfaction with the telehealth-delivered intervention.

The intervention was perceived as values-aligned and effective in improving motivation and task organization.

Some participants found activity tracking tedious and suggested simplifying the process.

Abstract

Behavioral activation (BA) is an evidence-based psychotherapy for depression that also shows promise as a transdiagnostic intervention to support functioning. We adapted a brief BA protocol to improve physical, cognitive, and social functioning in older Veterans at risk for decline. In this study, we conducted an open pilot to assess acceptability of the adapted intervention among 10 older (age ≥65) Veterans at risk for functional decline (Vulnerable Elders Survey-13 score ≥3). Participants completed a 6-session telehealth-delivered BA intervention, baseline and post-intervention assessments, and a semi-structured interview based on the Theoretical Framework of Acceptability. Interviews were analyzed by two researchers using rapid qualitative analysis. Participants had a mean age of 79.6 years (range 69-88) and 80% were male. Nine participants completed all 6 intervention sessions and follow-up assessments; one withdrew after the second session. Mean satisfaction on the Client Satisfaction Questionnaire (CSQ-8) was 26.9±3.7 (on a scale of 8-32). Participants found the telehealth format convenient and the length and frequency appropriate. The content was highly aligned with participants’ values and what mattered most to them. While most participants found value in tracking their activities, others found it tedious and recommended simplifying the process. The intervention helped participants stay organized, set goals, and break tasks into parts; increased their motivation and helped them refocus on valued activities; and provided them with skills they will continue to use to support activity engagement. Our study suggests that a brief telehealth-delivered BA intervention for functioning is acceptable, values-aligned, and perceived as effective among older Veterans.