TY  - JOUR
AU  - Wong, Arkers Kwan Ching
AU  - Bayuo, Jonathan
AU  - Su, Jing Jing
AU  - Wong, Frances Kam Yuet
AU  - Chow, Karen Kit Sum
AU  - Wong, Bonnie Po
AU  - Wong, Siu Man
AU  - Hui, Vivian
PY  - 2024
DA  - 2024/11/18
TI  - 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
JO  - J Med Internet Res
SP  - e52435
VL  - 26
KW  - wearable monitoring device
KW  - lay worker
KW  - smartwatch
KW  - older adult
KW  - nurse
KW  - engagement
KW  - attrition
KW  - wearable
KW  - user experience
AB  - 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 (β=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 
SN  - 1438-8871
UR  - https://www.jmir.org/2024/1/e52435
UR  - https://doi.org/10.2196/52435
DO  - 10.2196/52435
ID  - info:doi/10.2196/52435
ER  -