Using telehealth to optimize healthy independent living for older adults: A feasibility study

Tamilyn Bakas; Debi Sampsel; Jahmeel Israel; Ameya Chamnikar; Barbara Bodnarik; John Greer Clark; Megan Gresham Ulrich; Dieter Vanderelst

doi:10.1016/j.gerinurse.2018.04.002

Using telehealth to optimize healthy independent living for older adults: A feasibility study

Geriatr Nurs. 2018 Sep-Oct;39(5):566-573. doi: 10.1016/j.gerinurse.2018.04.002. Epub 2018 May 24.

Authors

Tamilyn Bakas¹, Debi Sampsel², Jahmeel Israel², Ameya Chamnikar³, Barbara Bodnarik², John Greer Clark⁴, Megan Gresham Ulrich⁵, Dieter Vanderelst⁶

Affiliations

¹ University of Cincinnati College of Nursing, PO Box 210038, Cincinnati, OH 45219, USA. Electronic address: tamilyn.bakas@uc.edu.
² University of Cincinnati College of Nursing, PO Box 210038, Cincinnati, OH 45219, USA.
³ University of Cincinnati College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, PO Box 210072, Cincinnati, OH 45219, USA.
⁴ University of Cincinnati College of Allied Health Sciences, PO Box 210394, Cincinnati, OH 45219, USA.
⁵ Maple Knoll Communities, Inc. 11100 Springfield Pike, Springdale, OH 45246, USA.
⁶ University of Cincinnati College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, PO Box 210072, Cincinnati, OH 45219, USA; University of Cincinnati College of Arts and Sciences, Edwards 1 45150Q, Cincinnati, OH 45221, USA.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to test feasibility of the Telehealth Community Health Assistance Team (T-CHAT), a nurse-led intervention delivered through a telepresence robot designed to promote healthy independent living among older adults. Using a quasi-experimental design, 21 older adults were divided into a T-CHAT group (n = 11) or a waitlist control group (n = 10). The T-CHAT group received 3 weekly health coaching sessions from a nurse practitioner student through the telepresence robot. Data trends were analyzed using two-way repeated measures analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) with baseline values as co-variates; effect sizes using partial eta squared (η²). Medium to large improvements in unhealthy days, depressive symptoms, sleep, quality of life, and confidence/self-efficacy were found favoring the T-CHAT group. Recruitment and retention strategies were successful, with lessons learned for future studies. Further research is warranted to refine and test efficacy of the T-CHAT program to promote healthy independent living among older adults.

Keywords: Chronic illness; Health promotion; Older adults; Robotics.

Publication types

Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Aged, 80 and over
Chronic Disease / therapy
Depression
Feasibility Studies
Female
Health Promotion / methods*
Humans
Independent Living / psychology*
Male
Nurses / psychology*
Quality of Life*
Self Efficacy
Telemedicine*

Grants and funding

UL1 TR001425/TR/NCATS NIH HHS/United States