Development and Refinement of Educational Materials to Help Older Veterans Use VA Mental Health Mobile Apps.

ABSTRACT: The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) in collaboration with the Department of Defense has created mobile applications (apps) that target military Veteran-specific mental health challenges. With over half of Veterans being older than 65, it is essential to support these individuals' access to and use of these apps. One critical barrier to older adults using apps is that they may not be aware of mental health apps and often need assistance learning to use their devices. To address these gaps in knowledge, we designed and evaluated patient education materials teaching how to download apps and the basics of mobile device use. The materials also included step-by-step guides for three VA mobile apps: Mindfulness Coach, Mood Coach, and PTSD Coach. Guided by user-centered design and feedbac

SUBMITTER: Gould CE 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8404779 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature