Experiences of a digital group intervention 'the health web': a case study of older adults.

Abstract

Background: Within the development of new interventions, it is of highly important to address social participation since it is associated with improved physical and mental health. Therefore, a new intervention in occupational therapy, 'The health Web' was developed.

Aim: The aim of this study was to explore and describe how older adults experienced the intervention process of 'The Health Web' provided by an occupational therapist, and whether the intervention has the potential to promote social participation.

Material and methods: An exploratory descriptive case study was designed. Five older adults and an occupational therapist were included. Interviews, self-assessments, registration forms and field-notes were used to collect data. The data were analysed using pattern-matching.

Results: The results consist of two cases: A) Continuous engagement promoted the development of strategies and: B) Uneven engagement inhibited the development of strategies. Each case is described with three categories representing the experienced intervention process of the older adults in the respective case.

Conclusions and significance: The results suggest that the intervention has some potential to support older adults' in using strategies supporting social participation. This study provides valuable insights for the continued development of the intervention.