Experiences of a remote, person-centred intervention in older persons living with frailty - a qualitative study

Abstract

Background: Globally, healthcare systems are challenged with implementing effective home-based self-management programmes for older persons living with frailty within a proactive, integrated model of remote, person-centred care (PCC). Aim: This study explores the experiences of a remote PCC intervention in older persons living with frailty. Methods: A qualitative inductive conventional content analysis was conducted using semi-structured telephone interviews. The intervention involved older adults who received PCC through a combined approach of telephone calls and a digital platform. Fourteen community-dwelling older people (≥ 75 years, screened as frail) with recent emergency care visits but had not been hospitalised, were included. Results: Participants felt secure due to the engaging, empathetic and professional-friendly nature of the telephone conversations. In contrast, many informants reported difficulty using the digital platform due to its complexity. Conclusion: Telephone-based, person-centred remote care enhanced resource availability and promoted feelings of security among older persons living with frailty. However, further development of user-friendly digital tools for older people is still needed. Trial registration of the main project: ClinicalTrial.gov: NCT04416815. Registered 07/06/2021.