A Digital Gaming Intervention to Strengthen the Social Networks of Older Dutch Adults: Mixed Methods Process Evaluation of a Digitally Conducted Randomized Controlled Trial (Preprint)

• DOI: 10.2196/preprints.45173
• Publication Date: 2022-12-26T02:09:15Z
• Authors: Jeroen Janssen; Bas Châtel; Nora Den Heijer; Rob Tieben; Menno Deen; Rense Corten; Geeske Peeters; Marcel Olde Rikkert
• Keywords: mHealth; eHealth

<sec> <title>BACKGROUND</title> Digital loneliness interventions for older adults are promising, yet conclusive evidence is lacking due to a lack of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and difficulties with recruitment. Process evaluation performed RCTs essential inform future interventions. Still, it rarely carried out, resulting in an overly optimistic view the impact eHealth on options conduct such research entirely remotely. </sec> <title>OBJECTIVE</title> We describe mixed methods process digitally conducted RCT assessing effectiveness mobile social gaming app facilitate meaningful interactions adults. <title>METHODS</title> analyzed questionnaire game data participants evaluate recruitment onboarding, intervention adherence, acceptability. The were allocated either main group (aged 65 years or older) side between 18 64 years). used networking play also 6 post-RCT interviews 1 focus total 4 5 welfare organization representatives that aided <title>RESULTS</title> In total, 371 people aged signed up RCT, which 64% (238/371) older. Of sample, 20% (76/371) installed informed consent, showing large dropout during onboarding. high number questions was relevant barrier participants. Both gameplay adherence low. Participants indicated games elicited contact feeling togetherness proposed challenging competitive increasing difficulty levels. They suggested focusing enjoying rather than administering questionnaires. <title>CONCLUSIONS</title> Conducting remote digital trial great challenge. Remote consent acquisition may often not result sufficient participation. Personal engagement fellow researchers might be enjoyment. Future should start small-scale studies in-person contact, repeated instructions, fewer