Nurse-led Primary Healthcare Intervention Model in Women's Health Management in Hong Kong

NCT ID: NCT06628388

Last Updated: 2024-12-12

Study Results

Results pending

The study team has not published outcome measurements, participant flow, or safety data for this trial yet. Check back later for updates.

Basic Information

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Recruitment Status

RECRUITING

Clinical Phase

NA

Total Enrollment

1728 participants

Study Classification

INTERVENTIONAL

Study Start Date

2024-10-04

Study Completion Date

2027-02-26

Brief Summary

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The goal of this randomized clinical trial is to learn if a nurse-led primary healthcare intervention can help improve health management in women adults aged 45 to 64, and to develop an evidence-based primary healthcare model for women. The questions it aims to answer are:

if the intervention improves medical resource use, especially at 3-month from the beginning of intervention? if the intervention improves health confidence, self-management, and quality-of-life? if the intervention improves health conditions as reflected by risk levels?

Researchers will compare the intervention with the control group over time to see if there are better medical resource use, health confidence, self-management, and quality-of-life, and health conditions risk levels.

All participants will be asked to answer a set of questionnaires assessing their social demographics, health-related status, and risk levels of the targeted health conditions. All participants will receive an education booklet containing essential knowledge and available medical resources. Participants in the intervention group will receive nurse-led 5As (ask, advice, assess, assist, arrange) intervention which offers risk-specific health services. Participants will be followed at 3-, 6-, 12-month; with high risk participants will be followed additionally at 1-month after the beginning of intervention. Participants in the waitlist control group will be given general health advice as minimal intervention, followed-up at 3- and 6-month, provided with intervention of the same content with intervention group at 6-month, followed-up at 7-month and 12-month.

Detailed Description

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Background:

Globally, the aging population is on the rise, leading to the phenomenon known as the "feminization of aging" (United Nations, 2017). In most regions, women outlive men and face an increased risk of severe illnesses and multiple health conditions, significantly impacting their quality of life (Chłoń-Domińczak et al., 2014). In Hong Kong, the Family Health Service of the Department of Health provides the Woman Health Services including health assessment, health education, and individual counseling at three Woman Health Centres (WHCs) to women aged at or below 64 years, and its coverage is very limited. Hence, there is a lack of evidence-based services in primary healthcare settings such as DHCs for identifying and stratifying health risks among women and effective interventions in promoting women's health, particularly for those older female adults.

Nurse-led intervention is an intervention where nurses play central roles and have autonomous rights in decision-making as well as authority in customizing patient care (Li et al., 2020). Despite the important role of nurses in primary health care, this is no innovative nurse-led intervention model targeting women's health in Hong Kong.

The '5As model', which was initially developed for smoking cessation based on changes to different stages within the healthcare intervention (Wang et al., 2019), consists of five main steps: identifying health status and behavior for each individual (Ask), advising and urging the behavioral changes (Advice), assessing the willingness and readiness to change (Assess), providing supports and referrals to individuals willing to change (Assist), and scheduling follow-ups to address barriers and discuss personal progress (Arrange). It has been found to be an effective and simple model for nurses to deliver healthcare promotion and education intervention in community (Kolac et al., 2023; Slev et al., 2020). Brief intervention model as such would be much more feasible in PHC settings (Saitz et al., 2010).

As women reach the middle stage of their life between the ages of 45 and 64, a significant number of them undergo hormonal changes linked to the transitions through menopause. These changes often lead to the emergence of novel health challenges (Nasreen et al., 2021). Apart from the commonly observed age-related risk of developing colorectal cancer, more prevalent conditions affecting women in this life phase are vasomotor symptoms (VMS), urinary incontinence (UI), depression and anxiety, osteoporosis, breast cancer, hypertension, and cervical cancer. Hence, based on the 5As model, a nurse-led risk-based primary healthcare intervention is proposed for women's health management in Hong Kong.

Study Design:

A stepped-wedge cluster randomized waitlist-controlled trial (SWT) will be conducted. The study period will consist of four consecutive phases with each lasting for four months. The three social service organizations will be the three clusters to be randomized. In the first phase, all participants in all three clusters will be allocated to the waitlist-control treatment. In the second phase, newly joined participants in cluster 1, randomly determined, will be exposed to the intervention condition, while the other two clusters remain in the waitlist-control. In the third phase, newly joined participants in cluster 1 and 2, will be allocated to the intervention condition, while cluster 3 remain receiving the waitlist-control condition. In the fourth phase, all newly recruited participants in the three clusters will be allocated to intervention condition. At 6-month follow-up, the waitlist-control participants will be given the same treatment as in intervention condition. A web-based portal system will be created for nurses to facilitate better case management and client coordination.

Procedures:

The NGO staff will receive two day training on clinical knowledge, health condition specific advice and appropriate community medical resources, behavioral modification skills, and study workflow. Booster training the study flow, risk assessment, and use of the web-based portal system will be provided during transition period. Service units of the three non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in the three districts (Aberdeen Kai Fong Association in Southern District (AKA), Haven of Hope Christian Services in Sai Kung District (HOHCS), and Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui Welfare Council Limited in Wong Tai Sin District (SKHWC)) will screen and recruit appropriate participants for this trial. Recruitment ads will be posted onto offline (e.g., on-site posters) and online platforms (e.g., Facebook and Instagram). Women aged between 45 and 64 will be continuously recruited in the 4 recruitment phases. Participants would include but not limited to those who that are regular attendees (e.g., members) of the three social service organizations, and those in the general population who are seeking primary healthcare services through various offline/online recruitment approaches. Participants will undergo eligibility screening following registration. Eligible participants with consents will be enrolled in the current stepped-wedge waitlist-control randomized trial. For participants who do not meet the eligibility criteria for the current trial but express their willingness in receiving primary healthcare services, such rights will be protected and healthcare services/resources in need will be provided.

Conditions

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Vasomotor Symptoms Urinary Incontinence Anxiety Depression - Major Depressive Disorder Osteoporosis Breast Cancer Hypertension Cervical Cancers Colorectal Cancer

Keywords

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nurse-led women health risk-based primary healthcare 5As model stepped-wedge cluster RCT health resource utilization self-management risk stratification health screening

Study Design

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Allocation Method

RANDOMIZED

Intervention Model

CROSSOVER

A stepped-wedge cluster randomized waitlist-controlled trial will be conducted. Stepped-wedge design is considered as a unidirectional crossover RCT. Current trial will consist of four consecutive phases with each lasting for four months. The three social service organizations will be the three clusters to be randomized. In the first phase, all participants in all three clusters will be allocated to the waitlist-control treatment. In the second phase, newly joined participants in cluster 1, randomly determined, will be exposed to the intervention condition, while the other two clusters remain in the waitlist-control. In the third phase, newly joined participants in cluster 1 and 2, will be allocated to the intervention condition, while cluster 3 remain receiving the waitlist-control condition. In the fourth phase, all newly recruited participants in the three clusters will be allocated to intervention condition.
Primary Study Purpose

PREVENTION

Blinding Strategy

SINGLE

Outcome Assessors

Study Groups

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Minimal intervention

Participants allocated to the control group condition will be given minimal intervention in standard practices at baseline and 3-month. It consist of general health education and advice, where the health information is open resources available for the public. No risk-stratified services nor active referral will be conducted by nurse until 6-month assessment is completed. After that, they will immediately receive intervention based on their 6-month assessment, and booster interventions at 7-month contact and 12-month follow-up.

Group Type ACTIVE_COMPARATOR

Minimal Intervention

Intervention Type BEHAVIORAL

Consisting general advice on women health with the education booklet. No risk-based services nor active referral will be offered during the waitlist control exposure. Participants will be switched to receive intervention from 6-month.

Nurse-led Risk-based 5As Intervention Arm

Participants allocated to the intervention condition will receive the nurse-led 5As model intervention at baseline, 1- and 3-month boosters, and 6- and 12-month follow-ups. The current model includes risk assessments and stratification, general health education booklet, consultations and active referrals based on personal risk stratification at baseline and 3-month booster, with additional booster session at 1-month, and follow-up sessions at 6- and 12-month from baseline. For participants with high risk of any target health conditions at baseline and 3-month booster, medical referral and service utilization (e.g., GPs/network doctors/specialist consultation at health centres/hospitals/clinics, screening, therapies, corresponding District Health Centre schemes, etc.) will be arranged at the visits. Such medical resource utilization among participants will be encouraged and motivated at 1-month booster session.

Group Type EXPERIMENTAL

Nurse-Led Risk-Based 5As Primary Healthcare Model

Intervention Type BEHAVIORAL

The intervention is developed based on the 5As model (ask, advice, assess, assist, arrange). In this model, nurse will play the central role in delivering the service as a case manager. In Ask, all participants will be assessed on the demographics, health related status, and health risk stratification (i.e. 3-tier risk stratification). In Advice, all participants will be given the education booklet. Those assessed to be at low risks will receive general advice, while those at medium risk will receive condition-specific advice instead. High risk participants will be provided with referral suggestions. The assessment of medium or high risk participants willingness and any barriers in seeking changes will be conducted in Assess. In Assist, active referrals will be provided to high risk participants, with weekly advice messages provided to medium and high risk participants. In Arrange, all participants will receive their follow-ups.

Interventions

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Nurse-Led Risk-Based 5As Primary Healthcare Model

The intervention is developed based on the 5As model (ask, advice, assess, assist, arrange). In this model, nurse will play the central role in delivering the service as a case manager. In Ask, all participants will be assessed on the demographics, health related status, and health risk stratification (i.e. 3-tier risk stratification). In Advice, all participants will be given the education booklet. Those assessed to be at low risks will receive general advice, while those at medium risk will receive condition-specific advice instead. High risk participants will be provided with referral suggestions. The assessment of medium or high risk participants willingness and any barriers in seeking changes will be conducted in Assess. In Assist, active referrals will be provided to high risk participants, with weekly advice messages provided to medium and high risk participants. In Arrange, all participants will receive their follow-ups.

Intervention Type BEHAVIORAL

Minimal Intervention

Consisting general advice on women health with the education booklet. No risk-based services nor active referral will be offered during the waitlist control exposure. Participants will be switched to receive intervention from 6-month.

Intervention Type BEHAVIORAL

Eligibility Criteria

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Inclusion Criteria

1. Hong Kong female residents aged 45 to 64 years old; and
2. Able to read and communicate in Chinese (either Cantonese or Mandarin).

Exclusion Criteria

1. Have a terminal illness (e.g., advanced cancer, dementia, pulmonary, neurological, motor-neuron, and advanced cardiovascular disease), or with a life expectancy of less than six months;
2. Diagnosed with psychiatric or psychological disorders (e.g., panic disorder, psychosis);
3. Currently taking medication(s) or receiving treatment(s) for psychiatric and psychological disorders;
4. Pregnant or in lactation period, or have plans for pregnancy within 1 year; or
5. Have moderate or severe cognitive impairment.
Minimum Eligible Age

45 Years

Maximum Eligible Age

64 Years

Eligible Sex

FEMALE

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Sponsors

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The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust

OTHER

Sponsor Role collaborator

Haven of Hope Hospital

OTHER

Sponsor Role collaborator

Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui Welfare Council Limited

OTHER

Sponsor Role collaborator

Aberdeen Kai-fong Welfare Association

OTHER

Sponsor Role collaborator

The University of Hong Kong

OTHER

Sponsor Role lead

Responsible Party

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Prof. Sophia Siu-chee Chan

Professor

Responsibility Role PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR

Principal Investigators

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Siu Chee Chan, Professor

Role: PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR

The University of Hong Kong

Locations

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Aberdeen Kaifong Welfare Association

Hong Kong, , Hong Kong

Site Status RECRUITING

Haven of Hope Christian Service

Hong Kong, , Hong Kong

Site Status RECRUITING

Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui Welfare Council

Hong Kong, , Hong Kong

Site Status RECRUITING

Countries

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Hong Kong

Central Contacts

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Assistant Research Officer

Role: CONTACT

Phone: +852 3917 6391

Email: [email protected]

Yushen Zuo, M.Sc.

Role: CONTACT

Phone: +852 3917 6394

Email: [email protected]

Facility Contacts

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Yiu Mei Leung

Role: primary

Chung Ching Wo

Role: primary

Sze Nga Tong

Role: primary

References

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Nasreen SZA: Management of Menopause: Jaypee Brothers Medical Publishers; 2021.

Reference Type BACKGROUND

Saitz R, Alford DP, Bernstein J, Cheng DM, Samet J, Palfai T. Screening and brief intervention for unhealthy drug use in primary care settings: randomized clinical trials are needed. J Addict Med. 2010 Sep;4(3):123-30. doi: 10.1097/ADM.0b013e3181db6b67.

Reference Type BACKGROUND
PMID: 20936079 (View on PubMed)

Slev VN, Molenkamp CM, Eeltink CM, Roeline W Pasman H, Verdonck-de Leeuw IM, Francke AL, van Uden-Kraan CF. A nurse-led self-management support intervention for patients and informal caregivers facing incurable cancer: A feasibility study from the perspective of nurses. Eur J Oncol Nurs. 2020 Apr;45:101716. doi: 10.1016/j.ejon.2019.101716. Epub 2020 Jan 20.

Reference Type BACKGROUND
PMID: 32023503 (View on PubMed)

Kolac N, Yildiz A. The effect of health belief model-based short interviews in women in the postmenopausal period on the prevention of osteoporosis: A randomized controlled trial. Int J Nurs Pract. 2023 Feb;29(1):e13121. doi: 10.1111/ijn.13121. Epub 2022 Dec 16.

Reference Type BACKGROUND
PMID: 36524466 (View on PubMed)

Wang MP, Luk TT, Wu Y, Li WH, Cheung DY, Kwong AC, Lai V, Chan SS, Lam TH. Chat-based instant messaging support integrated with brief interventions for smoking cessation: a community-based, pragmatic, cluster-randomised controlled trial. Lancet Digit Health. 2019 Aug;1(4):e183-e192. doi: 10.1016/S2589-7500(19)30082-2. Epub 2019 Jul 31.

Reference Type BACKGROUND
PMID: 33323188 (View on PubMed)

Li C, Liu Y, Xue D, Chan CWH. Effects of nurse-led interventions on early detection of cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Int J Nurs Stud. 2020 Oct;110:103684. doi: 10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2020.103684. Epub 2020 Jun 12.

Reference Type BACKGROUND
PMID: 32702568 (View on PubMed)

Chłoń-Domińczak A, Kotowska IE, Kurkiewicz J, Abramowska-Kmon A, Stonawski M: Population ageing in Europe: facts, implications and policies. Brussels: European Commission 2014

Reference Type BACKGROUND

United Nations. World Population Ageing 2017 Highlights (ST/ESA/SER.A/397). Population Division World Population Ageing. 2017.

Reference Type BACKGROUND

Other Identifiers

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UW 24-501

Identifier Type: -

Identifier Source: org_study_id