WhatsApp-based person-centered self-care support for homebound older adults
Empowering Homebound Older Adults in Self-care Using a Mobile Health-assisted, Person-centred Care Approach: A Hybrid Effectiveness-implementation Design
This project will test whether six bi-weekly WhatsApp video calls with nurse case managers using a person-centered approach help homebound older adults improve self-care, independence, and well-being compared with conventional provider-led calls.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 130 (estimated) |
| Ages | 60 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Hong Kong) |
| Trial ID | NCT06879457 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This is a hybrid effectiveness-implementation, cluster-randomized controlled trial in Hong Kong enrolling 130 homebound older adults. Participants receive six bi-weekly WhatsApp video-call sessions with nurse case managers over three months, delivered either with a person-centred care (PCC) approach or a conventional provider-led model. Effectiveness outcomes include self-efficacy, functional independence, and psychosocial well-being, while implementation outcomes are measured using the RE-AIM framework. Findings will inform whether digitally delivered, person-centered support can be scaled for aging populations with limited mobility.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are Cantonese-speaking adults aged 60 or older who leave home no more than twice per week, are moderately frail or less, can use a smartphone, and have sufficient cognition, hearing, and vision to participate.
Not a fit: People who are completely bed-bound, cannot hear, see, or communicate effectively, lack a smartphone or stable internet, or cannot use Cantonese are unlikely to benefit from this program.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the program could help homebound older adults maintain or improve functional independence and self-care through a low-cost, scalable digital support model.
How similar studies have performed: Previous telehealth and mHealth interventions for older adults and person-centered care models have shown promising results for self-management and psychosocial outcomes, but randomized evidence specifically for WhatsApp-based support in homebound elders is limited.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Aged 60 years or older; * Unable to leave home more than twice per week due to physical or functional health problems; * Own and have basic proficiency in using a smartphone; * Speak Cantonese; * Indicate sufficient cognitive ability; and * Be moderately frail or below. Exclusion Criteria: * Unable to hear, see, or communicate effectively; * Be completely bed-bound; or * Reside in an area without stable internet coverage.
Where this trial is running
Hong Kong
- Yan Oi Tong — Hong Kong, Hong Kong (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Prof. Arkers Wong — School of Nursing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
- Study coordinator: Prof. Arkers Wong
- Email: arkers.wong@polyu.edu.hk
- Phone: +852 3400 3805
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.