Using Smart Displays to Implement an eHealth System for Older Adults With Multiple Chronic Conditions: Protocol for a...

Area of Science:

• Digital health interventions
• Geriatric medicine
• Health technology assessment

Background:

• Voice-controlled smart devices offer potential for eHealth interventions, particularly for older adults with chronic conditions and physical limitations.
• Previous research focused on laptop and smartphone interventions, with limited large-scale trials on voice-controlled platforms.
• Older adults often face challenges with traditional devices, making voice-controlled options a promising alternative.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of an evidence-based intervention (ElderTree) delivered via a smart display compared to a laptop and a control group.
• To assess changes in pain interference and quality of life in older adults with multiple chronic conditions.
• To compare system usage, pain intensity, health outcomes, and patient well-being across intervention groups.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial involving 291 adults aged 60+ with chronic pain and multiple comorbidities.
• Participants were assigned to receive the ElderTree intervention on a smart display, a laptop, or usual care alone for 8 months.
• Primary outcomes included pain interference and psychosocial quality of life, with secondary outcomes assessing system use, physical quality of life, pain intensity, and other health indicators.

Main Results:

• Recruitment is ongoing, with the intervention period concluding in December 2023.
• Findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications.
• Data collection includes participant surveys and continuous system logs.

Conclusions:

• This is the first large-scale, long-term study comparing voice-controlled smart devices to laptops for health interventions in older adults with multiple chronic conditions.
• The findings have significant implications for patient well-being and healthcare costs.
• Optimizing the use of current and emerging technologies is crucial for improving care for this population.