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Authors: Seamus Harvey (NetwellCASALA, Dundalk Institute of Technology), Isil Coklar Okutkan (Trinity Centre for Practice and Healthcare Innovation, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Trinity College Dublin), Filipa Teixeira (Trinity Centre for Practice and Healthcare Innovation, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Trinity College Dublin), John Dinsmore (Trinity Centre for Practice and Healthcare Innovation, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Trinity College Dublin), Julie Doyle (NetwellCASALA, Dundalk Institute of Technology)
Background: Multimorbidity is defined as the presence of two or more chronic conditions within the same person. Key to the management of multimorbidity—including preventing the deterioration of existing conditions and the development of new conditions—is maintaining a healthy weight. For instance, previous research has demonstrated that weight loss is associated with greater blood glucose stability and reduced cardiovascular risk in overweight type 2 diabetics with cardiovascular disease. Digital technology has the potential to support persons with multimorbidity (PwMs) to manage their health, including via weight maintenance. The ProACT digital health platform, comprising measuring devices (e.g., a weight scale, blood pressure monitor, and blood glucose monitor) and an app (e.g., where one can monitor their symptom trends and wellbeing), is designed to support older PwMs (i.e., PwMs aged 65 and older) to manage their symptoms, wellbeing (e.g., weight), and overall health.
Methods: The ProACT digital health platform was tested during an effectiveness-implementation hybrid trial with older PwMs in Ireland. A range of data was collected, including the average weight values (measured in kilograms) and average weight scale use per week of 144 participants throughout their six-month trial periods.
Results: Multilevel linear growth curve analysis revealed that overall, the participants experienced statistically significant weight loss (b=-0.09, t(339.73)=-6.27, p<.001), followed by statistically significant weight stabilisation (b=0.00, t(2775.33)=4.82, p<.001) during their trial periods. More frequent weight scale use was also significantly associated with weight loss (b=-0.04, t(90.28)=-2.82, p<.01).
Discussion: These findings highlight the potential impact of digital technology in supporting older PwMs to manage their weight, and relatedly, their multiple conditions and overall health. This study was part of the SEURO project (https://seuro2020.eu), funded by the EU’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under Grant Agreement number 945449.
| Conflict of interest | We declare no conflicts of interest. However, as stated in the abstract, this study was part of the SEURO project (https://seuro2020.eu), funded by the EU’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under Grant Agreement number 945449. |
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