The EAGER-2-SEE project aims to chart how we can support and improve the self-management of elderly people with chronic conditions and/or permanent disabilities in geriatric rehabilitation (GR) with the help of eHealth (digital care). The project is twofold. The first part focuses on supporting self-management in people with COPD in the GR. The second part focuses on reducing the sedentary behaviour of patients in the GR.
Why are we doing this research?
The increasing growth in the number of elderly people and the impending shortage of healthcare professionals are putting pressure on the quality, availability, and affordability of healthcare. With the ageing population, the number of people with chronic diseases is also increasing. In GR these people learn to deal with the chronic condition and to make their own choices in everyday life and in the care, treatment and support offered (self-management).
The use of eHealth is an important opportunity to meet the demand for care. A good eHealth application can inform and motivate a patient, so that he/she is better able to take more control over illness and his/her own health. However, the scientific evidence for the use of eHealth in supporting and improving the self-management of patients in the GR is scarce.
In addition, it appears that sitting still for many minutes and for a long-interrupted time is bad for everyone’s health, even if someone does exercise. Regular break-up of sitting has health benefits and may be a more feasible step for patients in the GR than intensive exercise. eHealth can support these patients in this change, but how eHealth can be used best for this group is not known. For this reason, research is being conducted about the use of eHealth to reduce or adjust the sedentary behaviour of people in GR.
How do we conduct the research?
EAGER-2-SEE contains five different studies. The first two studies are about the support of self-management for people with COPD in GR. The other three studies are about the sedentary behaviour of people in GR and how to change that behaviour.
Support of self-management for people with COPD in GR
- The first study of EAGER-2-SEE shows the perspective of patients in rehabilitation and healthcare professionals on the potential use and value of a wearable for patients with COPD.
- The second study explores how a digital monitoring system can better fit the GR setting. This gets investigated in a three-round mixed-method study in which patients and practitioners use a digital monitoring system in each round during a patient’s rehabilitation. Participants are interviewed and quantitative data from the digital monitoring system will be used to chart adherence.
Changing sedentary behaviour in GR
- The third study is a literature review on the effect of objective feedback on the sedentary behaviour of patients in GR.
- The fourth study investigates the feasibility and usability of a sensor that measures movement and sedentary behaviour in GR. Both quantitative data and qualitative data are collected.
- The fifth study charts the difference in objectively measured sedentary behaviour between people who can go home early after a minor stroke/TIA with the help of eHealth and people who follow regular care practice.
