Utilizing Technology for Diet and Exercise Change in Complex Chronic Conditions Across Diverse Environments...

Area of Science:

• Health Technology
• Lifestyle Interventions
• Chronic Disease Management

Background:

• Metabolic syndrome is prevalent in complex chronic disease populations.
• Health technology offers new avenues for supporting lifestyle interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the feasibility of a patient-led, health technology-assisted lifestyle intervention.
• To assess the integration of technology in managing complex chronic conditions.

Main Methods:

• A 26-week randomized controlled trial in Australian specialist clinics.
• Participants with complex chronic conditions and metabolic syndrome features received standard care plus technology options.
• Intervention group had patient-led access to text messages, apps, online exercise programs, and videoconferencing.

Main Results:

• Enrollment commenced in 2019, with data collection concluding by December 2022.
• Primary outcome analysis focuses on feasibility metrics: safety, recruitment, retention, and adherence.
• Secondary outcomes include clinical effectiveness, goal attainment, and participant perceptions.

Conclusions:

• The study tests a novel health technology-assisted lifestyle intervention with patient choice in a tertiary setting.
• Findings will inform health services on the feasibility and scalability of technology-assisted care for broader specialist services.