Holistic Self-Empowerment Care Intervention for Optimized Independent Living and Quality of Life: A Study Protocol

NCT ID: NCT06736782

Last Updated: 2024-12-17

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

207 participants

Study Classification

INTERVENTIONAL

Study Start Date

2024-07-01

Study Completion Date

2025-03-01

Brief Summary

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This protocol describes a pilot study evaluating the effectiveness of the Self-Empowerment Care Model in promoting independence and quality of life among frail older adults in Hong Kong. Rooted in Nordic re-enablement principles and refined in Japan, the intervention adopts a holistic approach that focuses on hydration, exercise, diet, and defecation care. This 12-week intervention will be tested across three care settings-residential, day care, and home care. The study uses a quasi-experimental design involving 60 participants, aiming to compare outcomes of the intervention group with a control group receiving standard care. The study also assesses its impact on caregivers' burden and job satisfaction.

Detailed Description

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Introduction:

As populations age, maintaining independence in activities of daily living (ADLs) becomes essential to enhance quality of life (QOL) and reduce caregiver burden. However, traditional custodial practices often exacerbate functional decline among older adults. The Self-Empowerment Care model emphasizes enhancing independence through tailored interventions addressing physical, social, and cultural needs. Despite its successful implementation in Japan and Taiwan, its application in Hong Kong remains unexplored.

Objectives:

Evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and effectiveness of the Self-Empowerment Care model in improving ADLs and QOL for frail older adults.

Assess the impact on caregivers, including reduced burden and enhanced job satisfaction.

Identify factors affecting the sustainability of the intervention.

Methods:

Study Design: Quasi-experimental with a 1:1 allocation ratio.

Participants:

Older adults aged ≥65 years with functional decline. Informal and formal caregivers participating voluntarily. Exclusion: severe cognitive or mental illness, terminal illness. Sample Size: 60 older adults (30 per group), plus caregivers.

Intervention: Four components:

* Hydration: Promote daily water intake of 2000 mL.
* Exercise: Sequential activities tailored by physiotherapists.
* Defecation Care: Personalized interventions based on habits.
* Dietary Support: Nutritionally balanced meals and independent eating. Control Group: Standard care without structured interventions.

Data Collection:

Quantitative: ADLs (Barthel Index), QOL (EQ-5D-5L), caregiver burden (Zarit Interview), and caregiver satisfaction (Minnesota Satisfaction Questionnaire).

Qualitative: Focus groups with caregivers to explore their experiences. Timeline: Pre- and post-intervention assessments with a follow-up focus group. Analysis A mixed-method approach will be used. Quantitative data will undergo statistical analyses (e.g., linear mixed-effects models) to compare outcomes between intervention and control groups. Qualitative data will be analyzed thematically.

Ethics and Dissemination:

Approved by the Human Research Ethics Committee of the University of Hong Kong, the study prioritizes participants' dignity and autonomy. Results will be disseminated through academic publications and shared with policymakers to inform eldercare practices.

Significance:

This study is among the first in Hong Kong to implement and evaluate the Self-Empowerment Care model. It aims to provide empirical evidence for integrating holistic eldercare models into routine practices, with the potential to benefit both aging individuals and caregivers.

Conditions

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Long-Term Care Caregiver Burden

Keywords

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Self-Empowerment Caregiving Long-term Care Hong Kong

Study Design

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Allocation Method

NON_RANDOMIZED

Intervention Model

PARALLEL

A multi-site quasi-experimental study is planned to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and effectiveness of a Self-Empowerment Care model tailored for frail older adults in Hong Kong. Participants will be allocated into one intervention group and one control group, with the intervention group receiving a 12-week program focused on hydration, exercise, dietary support, and defecation care. This model, rooted in Nordic re-enablement principles and adapted in Japan, aims to enhance participants' independence in activities of daily living (ADLs) and quality of life (QOL).
Primary Study Purpose

SUPPORTIVE_CARE

Blinding Strategy

NONE

Study Groups

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Self-Empowerment Care Intervention Group

Participants in the experimental group will receive a 12-week intervention based on the Self-Empowerment Care model.

Group Type EXPERIMENTAL

Self-Empowerment Care Intervention Group

Intervention Type BEHAVIORAL

The intervention emphasizes four key principles: hydration, exercise, dietary support, and defecation care. Each component is designed to address fundamental needs and promote independence in activities of daily living (ADLs).

Individualized care plans will be developed in collaboration with healthcare professionals and caregivers to ensure alignment with participants' functional capabilities and personal goals.

Control Group

Participants in the control group will receive usual care provided in their respective care settings. This includes routine assistance with daily activities, basic medical support, and general health monitoring without the structured interventions specific to the Self-Empowerment Care model.

Group Type ACTIVE_COMPARATOR

Control Group

Intervention Type BEHAVIORAL

Standard caregiving practices without emphasis on structured hydration, exercise, or dietary programs.

General assistance with ADLs as per existing care routines in the respective facilities.

Interventions

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Self-Empowerment Care Intervention Group

The intervention emphasizes four key principles: hydration, exercise, dietary support, and defecation care. Each component is designed to address fundamental needs and promote independence in activities of daily living (ADLs).

Individualized care plans will be developed in collaboration with healthcare professionals and caregivers to ensure alignment with participants' functional capabilities and personal goals.

Intervention Type BEHAVIORAL

Control Group

Standard caregiving practices without emphasis on structured hydration, exercise, or dietary programs.

General assistance with ADLs as per existing care routines in the respective facilities.

Intervention Type BEHAVIORAL

Eligibility Criteria

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Inclusion Criteria

* Age 65 years or older
* Functional decline
* Potential to benefit from reablement.

Exclusion Criteria

* Severe cognitive impairment, those with mild impairment will be considered.
* Severe mental illness
* Terminal illness
Minimum Eligible Age

65 Years

Eligible Sex

ALL

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

No

Sponsors

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Christian Family Service Centre

OTHER

Sponsor Role collaborator

The University of Hong Kong

OTHER

Sponsor Role lead

Responsible Party

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Prof. Vivian W.Q. Lou

Professor

Responsibility Role PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR

Locations

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Sau Po Centre on Ageing, HKU

Hong Kong, , Hong Kong

Site Status RECRUITING

Countries

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Hong Kong

Central Contacts

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Vivian Lou, PhD

Role: CONTACT

Phone: +852 3917 4835

Email: [email protected]

Facility Contacts

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Vivian Lou, PhD

Role: primary

Other Identifiers

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EA240023

Identifier Type: -

Identifier Source: org_study_id