Authors: (including presenting author): :
Fung KM(1), Cheng WL(2), Wu KM(1), Yip WY (2)
Affiliation: :
(1)Integrated Nurse Clinic, KCPGOPD, Psychogeriatric Team, Kwai Chung Hospital, (2) Psychogeriatric Day Care Centre, Psychogeriatric Team, Kwai Chung Hospital
Keyword 1: :
Low-intensity CBT
Keyword 2: :
Nurse-led intervention
Keyword 3: :
Older adults
Keyword 4: :
Train-the-trainer
Keyword 6: :
Mental health nursing
Introduction: :
Low-intensity CBT (LI-CBT) programs aim to improve emotional regulation and resilience among individuals experiencing mild mood disturbances. While high-intensity Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is effective, it is resource-intensive. LI-CBT offers a scalable alternative. In line with global trends, empowering nurses to deliver evidence-based psychological support is increasingly recognized as a sustainable and impactful strategy.
Objectives: :
This pilot project aimed to evaluate the feasibility, effectiveness, and acceptability of a nurse-led, LI-CBT psychosocial group intervention for older adults with mild to moderate emotional symptoms. The program was designed using a train-the-trainer approach to enable broader staff engagement and sustainable delivery.
Methodology: :
A total of 16 older adult participants joined a 10-session group intervention co-facilitated by trained nurses. The program was structured into two phases:
• Sessions 1–5 focused on emotional support, (e.g., behavioural activation, problem-solving).
• Sessions 6–10 emphasized growth, (e.g., gratitude, self-esteem, personal reflection).
Outcome measures included pre- and post-intervention scores on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment-5 (MoCA-5) and Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS). A satisfaction survey and open-ended feedback were also collected to assess user experience.
Result & Outcome: :
Depressive symptoms significantly reduced (t(15) = 4.59, p < 0.001, Cohen’s d = 1.15), while cognitive scores remained stable (t(15) = –0.33, p = 0.74). All participants reported high satisfaction. Qualitative feedback described greater emotional awareness, stronger peer connection, and improved confidence in daily coping.
This nurse-led, low-intensity CBT program demonstrated strong feasibility, significant improvement in emotional outcomes, and high participant satisfaction. The train-the-trainer model further supports sustainable integration into routine geriatric mental health care. This pilot offers a promising step toward empowering frontline nurses to deliver structured psychosocial interventions for older adults.
