The research goal of this project is to chart in which way we can support and promote self-management of older individuals with chronic diseases and/or permanent disability in geriatric rehabilitation (GR) with help of eHealth (digital care). We strive to develop at least two usable, feasible, and potentially effective eHealth applications that can be used in GR.
Changing demographics and the looming shortage of healthcare professionals puts the quality, availability, and affordability of care under pressure. In an ageing society, the number of people with chronic diseases also increases. People with chronic diseases often end up in the hospital or/and in a geriatric rehabilitation centre. In GR, individuals learn how to deal with a chronic condition and how to make choices in everyday life and with regard to care, treatment, and support (self-management), to be able to function after returning at home.
The use of eHealth offers an important opportunity to meet the increased demand for care. A good eHealth solution can inform and motivate a patient, providing him/her with autonomy in their sickness and own health. However, little scientific evidence is available about the use of eHealth in GR. This results in unclarity about how eHealth can (best) be used to support and improve the self-management of patients in GR. What, for example, are barriers and facilitators?
How do we conduct the investigation?
The study consists of different parts. In the first part we will chart the feasibility, usability and adherence of rehabilitation patients with COPD and other stakeholders (such as healthcare professionals) to a module of Viduet (SmartCOPD). This is a mixed-methods study in which GR patients use the SmartCOPD application additionally to their treatment plan. The rehabilitation patients are interviewed about their experiences with SmartCOPD. The other stakeholders will take part in a focus group about their experiences. Besides, the data from SmartCOPD will be used to measure, among other things, adherence. The application will be adapted based on the rehabilitation patients’ and other stakeholders’ input regarding SmartCOPD.
In later parts of the research project, the effect of the use of eHealth on health status and self-management of the rehabilitation patients will be charted. We want to develop at least two usable, feasible, and (cost) effective eHealth applications to be used in GR.
