Virtual cOaching in making Informed Choices on Elder Mistreatment Self-Disclosure (VOICES)

Virtual cOaching in making Informed Choices on Elder Mistreatment Self-Disclosure (VOICES)

Elder Mistreatment (EM) is the mistreatment or harming of an older adult. EM can be physical, emotional, financial, sexual, or neglect. The effects of EM include; injury, increased dependence on services, mental distress, and increased mortality. 1 in 10 Americans over the age of 60 have experienced elder abuse or neglect, and it is estimated that only 1 in 24 cases become known to authorities. This is a social justice problem for all members of society.

We aim to develop an interactive tool to screen for EM and allow older adults to self-disclose EM to their provider. VOICES will utilize virtual coaching, interactive multimedia libraries (e.g. graphics, video clips, animations, etc.), techniques form electronic screening for intimate partner violence, and brief motivational interviewing designed to enhance identifying EM among older adults. This project includes developing new screening framework, as well as a study to examine the feasibility of complex interventions in real-world settings.

For more information, please visit our project website at voices.med.yale.edu