Protocol for regional implementation of collaborative self-management services to promote physical activity

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Health Services Research
• Digital Health

Background:

• Chronic diseases pose a significant global health burden.
• Current physical activity (PA) surveillance and promotion strategies have limited impact.
• Personalized, modular PA services integrated with healthcare may offer cost-effectiveness and sustainability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the protocol for implementing collaborative self-management services to promote PA in Catalonia (2017-2019).
• To evaluate the effectiveness of a novel PA promotion program using quasi-experimental design.
• To assess the potential for scalability and transferability of community-based, ICT-supported integrated care services.

Main Methods:

• Quasi-experimental design comparing intervention and control groups (usual care).
• Propensity score matching based on age, gender, and health risk assessment.
• Implementation of modular PA interventions supported by information and communication technologies (ICT).

Main Results:

• The study protocol outlines a roadmap for large-scale deployment of community-based ICT-supported integrated care services.
• Innovations include modular interventions, ICT for accessibility and cost reduction, and Triple Aim-based assessments.
• The approach has high potential for comparability and transferability to other regions.

Conclusions:

• The described protocol provides a framework for implementing effective, scalable, and sustainable PA promotion services.
• ICT integration is key to facilitating patient accessibility and collaborative care management.
• This initiative addresses the need for improved strategies in preventing and managing chronic diseases through healthy lifestyles.