Effectiveness of the Support From Community Health Workers and Health Care Professionals on the Sustained Use of Wearable Monitoring Devices Among Community-Dwelling Older Adults: Feasibility Randomized Controlled Trial

BackgroundThe wearable monitoring device (WMD) is emerging as a promising tool for community-dwelling older adults to monitor personal health, enhance awareness of their activities, and promote healthy behaviors. However, the sustained use of WMDs among this population remains a significant challeng...

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Main Authors: Arkers Kwan Ching Wong (Author), Jonathan Bayuo (Author), Jing Jing Su (Author), Frances Kam Yuet Wong (Author), Karen Kit Sum Chow (Author), Bonnie Po Wong (Author), Siu Man Wong (Author), Vivian Hui (Author)
Format: Book
Published: JMIR Publications, 2024-11-01T00:00:00Z.
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Summary:BackgroundThe wearable monitoring device (WMD) is emerging as a promising tool for community-dwelling older adults to monitor personal health, enhance awareness of their activities, and promote healthy behaviors. However, the sustained use of WMDs among this population remains a significant challenge. ObjectiveThis study aims to implement an interventional program that promotes and motivates the continued use of WMDs among older adults through a peer and professional support approach. This program will facilitate the integration of WMDs into their daily lives. MethodsThis feasibility trial examined the following: (1) the usability of the WMD from the users' perspectives; (2) the feasibility of the Live With Wearable Monitoring Device program; and (3) the effectiveness of the Live With Wearable Monitoring Device program among community-dwelling older adults. The intervention, based on Self-Determination Theory, involved using the Live With Wearable Monitoring Device program over a 3-month period, with ongoing professional and peer support provided by community health workers, aided by a nurse and social workers. This support included 1 home visit and biweekly communication via WhatsApp. Data were collected at baseline and at 1, 3, and 6 months. ResultsA total of 39 participants were enrolled in the intervention group, while 37 participants were in the control group. The recruitment rate was high (76/89, 85%), and the attrition rate was low (8/76, 11%), indicating that the program is feasible for older adults. Participants in the intervention group exhibited higher self-efficacy, lower anxiety levels, and used the smartwatch more frequently, in terms of both days and hours, compared with the control group. A between-group difference was observed in self-efficacy between the intervention and control groups (β=3.31, 95% CI 0.36-6.25, P=.03), with statistically significant higher mean values recorded at all 4 time points. ConclusionsIt is clear that merely providing a WMD to older adults does not guarantee its usage, particularly for those unfamiliar with how to utilize its health-related functions in their daily routines. This study implemented a theory-based program aimed at enhancing the ongoing use of WMDs among older adults, suggesting that continuous professional and peer support may significantly influence WMD usage. Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT05269303; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05269303
Item Description:1438-8871
10.2196/52435