Holistic Self-Empowerment Care Intervention for Optimized Independent Living and Quality of Life: A Study Protocol

The University of Hong Kong (HKU)

Status: Enrolling

Conditions: Caregiver Burden; Long-Term Care

Treatments: Behavioral: Control Group; Behavioral: Self-Empowerment Care Intervention Group

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT06736782

EA240023

Details and patient eligibility

About

This protocol describes a pilot study evaluating the effectiveness of the Self-Empowerment Care Model in promoting independence and quality of life among frail older adults in Hong Kong. Rooted in Nordic re-enablement principles and refined in Japan, the intervention adopts a holistic approach that focuses on hydration, exercise, diet, and defecation care. This 12-week intervention will be tested across three care settings-residential, day care, and home care. The study uses a quasi-experimental design involving 60 participants, aiming to compare outcomes of the intervention group with a control group receiving standard care. The study also assesses its impact on caregivers' burden and job satisfaction.

Full description

Introduction:

As populations age, maintaining independence in activities of daily living (ADLs) becomes essential to enhance quality of life (QOL) and reduce caregiver burden. However, traditional custodial practices often exacerbate functional decline among older adults. The Self-Empowerment Care model emphasizes enhancing independence through tailored interventions addressing physical, social, and cultural needs. Despite its successful implementation in Japan and Taiwan, its application in Hong Kong remains unexplored.

Objectives:

Evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and effectiveness of the Self-Empowerment Care model in improving ADLs and QOL for frail older adults.

Assess the impact on caregivers, including reduced burden and enhanced job satisfaction.

Identify factors affecting the sustainability of the intervention.

Methods:

Study Design: Quasi-experimental with a 1:1 allocation ratio.

Participants:

Older adults aged ≥65 years with functional decline. Informal and formal caregivers participating voluntarily. Exclusion: severe cognitive or mental illness, terminal illness. Sample Size: 60 older adults (30 per group), plus caregivers.

Intervention: Four components:

• Hydration: Promote daily water intake of 2000 mL.
• Exercise: Sequential activities tailored by physiotherapists.
• Defecation Care: Personalized interventions based on habits.
• Dietary Support: Nutritionally balanced meals and independent eating. Control Group: Standard care without structured interventions.

Data Collection:

Quantitative: ADLs (Barthel Index), QOL (EQ-5D-5L), caregiver burden (Zarit Interview), and caregiver satisfaction (Minnesota Satisfaction Questionnaire).

Qualitative: Focus groups with caregivers to explore their experiences. Timeline: Pre- and post-intervention assessments with a follow-up focus group. Analysis A mixed-method approach will be used. Quantitative data will undergo statistical analyses (e.g., linear mixed-effects models) to compare outcomes between intervention and control groups. Qualitative data will be analyzed thematically.

Ethics and Dissemination:

Approved by the Human Research Ethics Committee of the University of Hong Kong, the study prioritizes participants' dignity and autonomy. Results will be disseminated through academic publications and shared with policymakers to inform eldercare practices.

Significance:

This study is among the first in Hong Kong to implement and evaluate the Self-Empowerment Care model. It aims to provide empirical evidence for integrating holistic eldercare models into routine practices, with the potential to benefit both aging individuals and caregivers.

Enrollment: 207 estimated patients

Sex: All

Ages: 65+ years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Age 65 years or older
• Functional decline
• Potential to benefit from reablement.

Exclusion criteria

• Severe cognitive impairment, those with mild impairment will be considered.
• Severe mental illness
• Terminal illness

Trial design

Primary purpose: Supportive Care

Allocation: Non-Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: None (Open label)

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207 participants in 2 patient groups

Self-Empowerment Care Intervention Group

Experimental group

Description:

Participants in the experimental group will receive a 12-week intervention based on the Self-Empowerment Care model.

Treatment:

Behavioral: Self-Empowerment Care Intervention Group

Control Group

Active Comparator group

Description:

Participants in the control group will receive usual care provided in their respective care settings. This includes routine assistance with daily activities, basic medical support, and general health monitoring without the structured interventions specific to the Self-Empowerment Care model.

Treatment:

Behavioral: Control Group