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

Not Applicable

Not yet recruiting

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

• Registration Number: NCT06879457
• Lead Sponsor: The Hong Kong Polytechnic University

Brief Summary

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).

Detailed 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.

Study Timeline

• Status Verified: 2025-03
• Study Start: 2025-03-10
• Study First Submitted: 2025-03-10
• Study First Submitted QC: 2025-03-14
• Last Update Submitted: 2025-03-14
• Study First Posted: 2025-03-17
• Last Update Posted: 2025-03-17
• Primary Completion: 2026-12-31
• Study Completion: 2027-12-31

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: NOT_YET_RECRUITING
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 130

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.

Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: PARALLEL

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Change in self-efficacy assessed using the Chinese version of the General Self-Efficacy Scale	At baseline, 3 months post-intervention , and 6 months post-intervention.	Unit of Measure: Mean score on self-efficacy.
Change in instrumental activities of daily living assessed using the Chinese version of the Lawton Instrumental Activities of Daily Living Scale	At baseline, 3 months post-intervention , and 6 months post-intervention.	Unit of Measure: Mean score on instrumental activities of daily living.

Secondary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Change in quality of life assessed using the Chinese version of the 12-item Short Form Health Survey version 2	At baseline, 3 months post-intervention , and 6 months post-intervention.	Unit of Measure: Mean score on quality of life.
Change in psychological distress assessed using the Chinese version of 21-item Depression Anxiety Stress Scale	At baseline, 3 months post-intervention , and 6 months post-intervention.	Unit of Measure: Mean score on psychological distress.
Change in perceived loneliness assessed using the Chinese version of the UCLA 3-item Loneliness Scale	At baseline, 3 months post-intervention , and 6 months post-intervention.	Unit of Measure: Mean score on perceived loneliness.
Change in functional mobility assessed using the Timed Up and Go Test	At baseline, 3 months post-intervention , and 6 months post-intervention.	Unit of Measure: Time in seconds.
Change in sedentary behaviour assessed using the Chinese version of the Sedentary Behaviour Questionnaire for Elderly	At baseline, 3 months post-intervention , and 6 months post-intervention.	Unit of Measure: Mean hours per day.
Change in frequency of healthcare utilization assessed using the self-reported healthcare utilization survey	At baseline, 3 months post-intervention , and 6 months post-intervention.	Unit of Measure: Number of visits.
Participant reach and recruitment success measured by recruitment records	At baseline.	Unit of Measure: Percentage of eligible enrollment.
Participant satisfaction with the intervention assessed using the Chinese version of four-dimension Client Satisfaction Questionnaire	At 3 months post-intervention and 6 months post-intervention.	Unit of Measure: Mean score on satisfaction.
Service provider acceptability and adoption of person-centred care approach measured by focus group interview	At 3 months post-intervention.	Unit of Measure: Thematic analysis of interview records.
Implementation fidelity and adherence to person-centred care principles measured by session recordings and fidelity checklist	Ongoing monitoring during intervention.	Unit of Measure: 1). Number and reasons for missed sessions; 2). Percentage of sessions meeting fidelity criteria.
Long-term maintenance and retention of participants measured by cost-effectiveness analysis and retention and dropout records	At 6 months post-intervention.	Unit of Measure: 1). Incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) per additional quality adjusted life year (QALY) gained; 2). Number and reasons of dropout.
Barriers and Facilitators to the intervention measured by focus group interview	At 3 months post-intervention.	Unit of Measure: Thematic analysis of interview records.