mHealth Person-centred Self-care Support for Homebound Older Adults: A Hybrid Effectiveness-implementation Study

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University

Status: Enrolling

Conditions: Homebound; Mobile Health; Older Adults; Self-Care; Person-Centred Care

Treatments: Behavioral: PCC-based mHealth-assisted self-care support intervention; Behavioral: Provider-led mHealth-assisted self-care support intervention

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT06879457

HSEARS20240718004

Details and patient eligibility

About

The aim of the study is to evaluate the effectiveness and implementation of the mobile health (mHealth)-assisted, person-centred care (PCC) self-care support programme for homebound older adults. The researcher will compare PCC approach to a conventional care provider-led model. Participants (n = 130) will receive the intervention of six bi-weekly WhatsApp video call sessions over three months with nurse case managers (NCMs).

Full description

This hybrid effectiveness-implementation, cluster-randomized controlled trial evaluates a mHealth-assisted, PCC self-care support programme for homebound older adults in Hong Kong. Participants (n = 130) receive six bi-weekly WhatsApp video call sessions with NCMs over three months. The study compares a PCC-based approach with a conventional provider-led model. Effectiveness outcomes include self-efficacy, functional independence, and psychosocial well-being. Implementation is assessed using the RE-AIM framework. Findings will inform scalable, digital health interventions for aging populations, improving functional independence, self-care engagement, and healthcare accessibility for homebound older adults.

Enrollment: 130 estimated patients

Sex: All

Ages: 60+ years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Aged 60 years or older;
• Unable to leave home more than twice per week due to physical or functional health problems;
• Own and have basic proficiency in using a smartphone;
• Speak Cantonese;
• Indicate sufficient cognitive ability; and
• Be moderately frail or below.

Exclusion criteria

• Unable to hear, see, or communicate effectively;
• Be completely bed-bound; or
• Reside in an area without stable internet coverage.

Trial design

Primary purpose: Supportive Care

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: Double Blind

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130 participants in 2 patient groups

Intervention Group

Experimental group

Description:

The intervention group emphasizes shared decision-making, goal-setting, and interdisciplinary support. The NCM will co-develop self-care plans with participants.

Treatment:

Behavioral: PCC-based mHealth-assisted self-care support intervention

Control Group

Active Comparator group

Description:

The control group does not include shared decision-making or personalized goal-setting. Self-care plans will be developed solely by the nurse case manager (NCM).

Treatment:

Behavioral: Provider-led mHealth-assisted self-care support intervention