@Article{info:doi/10.2196/52435,
author="Wong, Arkers Kwan Ching
and Bayuo, Jonathan
and Su, Jing Jing
and Wong, Frances Kam Yuet
and Chow, Karen Kit Sum
and Wong, Bonnie Po
and Wong, Siu Man
and Hui, Vivian",
title="Effectiveness of the Support From Community Health Workers and Health Care Professionals on the Sustained Use of Wearable Monitoring Devices Among Community-Dwelling Older Adults: Feasibility Randomized Controlled Trial",
journal="J Med Internet Res",
year="2024",
month="Nov",
day="18",
volume="26",
pages="e52435",
keywords="wearable monitoring device; lay worker; smartwatch; older adult; nurse; engagement; attrition; wearable; user experience",
abstract="Background: The wearable monitoring device (WMD) is emerging as a promising tool for community-dwelling older adults to monitor personal health, enhance awareness of their activities, and promote healthy behaviors. However, the sustained use of WMDs among this population remains a significant challenge. Objective: This study aims to implement an interventional program that promotes and motivates the continued use of WMDs among older adults through a peer and professional support approach. This program will facilitate the integration of WMDs into their daily lives. Methods: This feasibility trial examined the following: (1) the usability of the WMD from the users' perspectives; (2) the feasibility of the Live With Wearable Monitoring Device program; and (3) the effectiveness of the Live With Wearable Monitoring Device program among community-dwelling older adults. The intervention, based on Self-Determination Theory, involved using the Live With Wearable Monitoring Device program over a 3-month period, with ongoing professional and peer support provided by community health workers, aided by a nurse and social workers. This support included 1 home visit and biweekly communication via WhatsApp. Data were collected at baseline and at 1, 3, and 6 months. Results: A total of 39 participants were enrolled in the intervention group, while 37 participants were in the control group. The recruitment rate was high (76/89, 85{\%}), and the attrition rate was low (8/76, 11{\%}), indicating that the program is feasible for older adults. Participants in the intervention group exhibited higher self-efficacy, lower anxiety levels, and used the smartwatch more frequently, in terms of both days and hours, compared with the control group. A between-group difference was observed in self-efficacy between the intervention and control groups ($\beta$=3.31, 95{\%} CI 0.36-6.25, P=.03), with statistically significant higher mean values recorded at all 4 time points. Conclusions: It is clear that merely providing a WMD to older adults does not guarantee its usage, particularly for those unfamiliar with how to utilize its health-related functions in their daily routines. This study implemented a theory-based program aimed at enhancing the ongoing use of WMDs among older adults, suggesting that continuous professional and peer support may significantly influence WMD usage. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05269303; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05269303 ",
issn="1438-8871",
doi="10.2196/52435",
url="https://www.jmir.org/2024/1/e52435",
url="https://doi.org/10.2196/52435"
}