How We Developed Our Website

The starting point that led to this web-based resource was a collaboration between CAMH and McMaster University to evaluate the impact of an Integrated Care Pathway (ICP) on older adults with anxiety, depression and mild cognitive impairment in primary care practices in Toronto and Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. This work found that the ICP resulted in faster reductions in symptoms and improvement in quality of live, as well as faster access to recommended treatments.

One of the components of that initial ICP was the provision of printed resource handouts on various topics that were used as supplemental patient and family education resources.

The development of this website corresponds with the goals of our collaboration to effectively ‘scale and spread’ some of the effective innovations from the ICP study to other settings – such as retirement home settings – and in formats that might make it easier to reach more people.

Previously, our Division of e-Learning Innovation team had also been working on several projects that were also relevant to older adult mental health and cognitive health, including award-winning e-learning lessons on dementia education; and enhanced multimedia content on various topics related to optimal aging.

What is evidence-based multimedia learning?

Not all information that is found on the internet is high-quality evidence-based e-learning.

• First, there is a difference between text information and material that has been designed with the purpose to educate.
• Second, there are effective principles of how to design online materials using multimedia (images, audio, and text) to improve learning; but most e-learning content doesn’t necessarily use these principles in the design of their e-learning.
• Third, it’s important that the health information and content that goes into e-learning or a health information website is also evidence-based, and not just based on opinion or poor-quality scientific research.

Our team within the Division of e-Learning Innovation specializes in all of the above.

Who is this site for?

The target audience for this web-based resource is older adults and their family/friend care partners. The content may be relevant to other audiences, including some health care providers. The content is not particularly relevant with respect to children’s mental health.

It’s not a substitute for medical care or for advice from your own health care professional. This resource is provided for information/educational purposes only, and doesn’t constitute medical care or advice. Consider your own personal needs, preferences and circumstances when making health decisions, and talk to your own provider.

How else was this resource evaluated?

In addition to review by our expert research team, the platform was subjected to detailed a user testing protocol, using validated usability testing tools. Some components of the resource – like the e-learning lessons – were also separately evaluated. We also had a health information expert review the various elements of the platform and rate them with a standardized rating tool. Feedback and a cycle of continuous quality improvement is ongoing.

How can I support this work?

Thank you for asking. Please consider a charitable donation to this project. 100% of your donation goes toward the project.