In rapidly ageing societies such as Hong Kong, older adults with mental health conditions face systemic barriers to public psychiatric care, including long waiting times and brief consultations that compromise service quality and communication. This study describes the development of an educational intervention and protocol designed to strengthen users’ efficacy in accessing care and participating effectively in consultations. The intervention was developed through three components: (1) qualitative interviews with 26 older adults aged 60 or above who had sought psychiatric care and attended at least two consultations in the previous year, or their caregivers, with thematic analysis identifying barriers and user strategies; (2) a literature review that informed educational content and practice; and (3) expert reviews with five researchers and practitioners, along with five cognitive interviews on the educational materials. User‑reported themes related to care access shaped a four‑session intervention: Session 1 focused on symptom awareness and accurate expression using mindfulness body scans and symptom diaries; Session 2 developed goal‑oriented help‑seeking through reflection on symptom impact and motivational interviewing; Session 3 addressed information searching, communication with doctors, and rational decision‑making; and Session 4 built readiness through scenario‑based reflection and problem‑solving on help initiation, accompaniment, waiting, communication, and adherence. The resulting protocol provides a structured educational approach to enhance older adults’ efficacy and communication in psychiatric care. It is being adapted into leaflet, WhatsApp, and face‑to‑face formats, and a three‑arm non‑randomised controlled trial will assess its preliminary effectiveness, feasibility, and acceptability.

Authors:
Xinxin Cai, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong
Xinyu Yi, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong

About the Presenter(s)
Dr Xinxin CＡＩ is a Research Assistant Professor in the Department of Applied Social Sciences and the Research Centre for Gerontology and Family Studies at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University.

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