Feasibility evaluation of using virtual coaching in making informed choices on elder mistreatment self-reporting (VOICES) tool in an emergency department.

Abstract

Elder mistreatment (EM) is a significant public health concern affecting 7.6%-12.7% of older adults, with many victims lacking access to necessary interventions to address and prevent mistreatment. This study evaluated the feasibility of VOICES (Virtual cOaching in making Informed Choices on Elder Mistreatment Self-Disclosure), a tablet-based digital health tool designed for self-administered screening, education, and motivational support in emergency department settings for self-reporting EM. The VOICES digital health tool empowers patients to self-administer EM screening, supporting the traditional provider-led methods. The results of this study demonstrate significant feasibility, acceptability, and practicality of VOICES for screening EM among older adults in the emergency department setting. VOICES effectively supports education, self-identification, and mistreatment reporting by equipping users with tailored information and support pathways to take confidential, informed action in collaboration with their healthcare providers. The findings highlight its potential as a scalable, technology-driven intervention for early detection and response to elder mistreatment.ClinicalTrials.gov: https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT03834870.