EXPANDING THE GERIATRIC MENTAL HEALTH WORKFORCE TO INCLUDE AGING NETWORK STAFF USING ONLINE TRAINING; HEALTHY IDEAS

Background: Healthy IDEAS (HI) an evidence-based, novel model of care implemented in 26 states, significantly improves depressive symptoms using non-clinical staff. HI is endorsed by the Centers for Disease Control and National Council on Aging. Methods The UNC Schools of Medicine and Nursing partnered with Baylor College of Medicine, and Care for Elders to convert the manual and skills-based instructional DVD into an interactive online course. Learners practice HI skills during an in-person class following the online course. Outcome measures included training time, cost, number of trainees and readiness to implement practice change measured by self-assessments. Results Fifty-four trainees from nine states enrolled during 2017. Training time decreased 33% and training costs by 50%. Ninety-eight percent rated the content, the self-assessments and the activities as meeting their needs. Forty-eight trainees rated their confidence to implement HI on a scale of 1–5. Average means: 4.73 I can empower clients to self-manage depression using behavioral activation. 4.69 I can use motivational interviewing to engage clients. 4.69 I understand how evidence-based programs are used in screening and intervention. 4.68 I can screen for symptoms of depression using valid tools. 4.66 I can adopt proactive approaches to depression education. 4.60 I can support clients in overcoming barriers/making progress. 4.53 I can effectively refer clients to treatment and link them to services. Conclusion This online course for non-clinicians to screen and intervene in depression among older adults was highly rated by 54 non-clinical staff. Online training strengthens the aging services workforce to sustain evidence-based programs.