• M Lindsey Jacobs, Katherine Luci, and Lauren Hagemann.
• a Salem VA Medical Center , Salem , Virginia.
• Clin Gerontol. 2018 Oct 1; 41 (5): 458-467.

ObjectivesThe purpose of this project was to develop, implement, and evaluate a 12-session Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for Older Veterans group protocol.MethodsThe Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) quality improvement model was the foundational process for this project. Veterans age 55 years and older participated in an ACT for Older Veterans group in an outpatient geropsychology clinic at a Veterans Affairs Medical Center. Study methods included analysis of participant feedback gathered in a focus group, process measures (i.e., number of sessions attended and number of early terminations), and outcome measures (i.e., depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, and psychological flexibility).ResultsSeventeen participants completed an average of ten sessions. Less than 25% of participants terminated early. Depressive symptoms improved, though there were no statistically significant changes in anxiety symptoms and psychological flexibility. The focus group yielded several recommendations that were implemented in subsequent groups.ConclusionsThe PDSA model helped in the development of a group therapy intervention that is both relevant and beneficial to older Veterans presenting with a variety of biopsychosocial issues. Results provide support for further research investigation of ACT for Older Veterans Group.Clinical ImplicationsACT used in a group format is a feasible and acceptable psychotherapy for older Veterans.

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