DIALOR: DIgitAL cOaching for fRailty
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Implementation of a digital health coaching intervention for older people with frailty in Wessex (DIALOR: DIgitAL cOaching for fRailty)
IRAS ID
314988
Contact name
Jane Murphy
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Bournemouth University
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 11 months, 31 days
Research summary
Summary of Research
Frailty is a condition that affects one in ten people over the age of 65. It means people are at higher risk of falls, disability and poor quality of life. Some may struggle with decreased energy levels, poor appetite, lower strength and having difficulty with household tasks. As the population ages, management of frailty places increased demand on health and social care services. Frailty can be delayed or improved with lifestyle changes such as physical activity, improved diet, social support.
This study aims to explore whether a digital approach could be used alongside support from health coaches to help the lifestyle management of frailty (in its early stages). The approach has been used successfully across the NHS in people with long term conditions which we think will transfer to people with frailty. Many people own a smartphone with applications (apps) and have access to the internet. This technology can help people to live well by providing access to personalised advice and support.We will work together with people living with frailty, their carers, health coaches and healthcare professionals across Dorset and Hampshire. There will be 2 parts to the study:
1.Developing the existing digital health coaching programme to ensure it is appropriate for older adults living with frailty.
2. Training health coaches to use the digital application, testing the study procedures and measuring costs. We will recruit 50 people with frailty to trial the application for 12 weeks and collect information including physical activity, eating and drinking, social engagement, quality of life. We will also ask people about their views and experiences of using the new digital approach. To do this we will invite 20 people with frailty and their carers who have trialled the intervention, 20 health coaches, 20 healthcare professionals and commissioners of services to take part in semi-structured interviews and focus groups.Summary of Results
As the population ages frailty is increasing, affecting one in ten people over 65 in the UK. Frailty increases the risk of disabilities, falls, and hospital stays, leading to a greater need for long-term care. Early actions like improving physical activity, nutrition, mental health, and social interaction can help reduce or reverse frailty and lower healthcare costs.
NIHR Applied Research Collaboration Wessex funded a study to test a new digital health coaching programme called 'DIALOR' for people with frailty. This programme, developed with input from healthcare professionals and patients, provides a digital app and a health coach to help users with exercises, nutrition, and wellbeing plans.
Older people using the digital health coaching programme saw improvements in frailty, physical activity, diet, quality of life, social engagement, and mental wellbeing. Most found the experience positive and helpful in meeting their health goals, although some found the digital component difficult and did not like the term frail. Healthcare professionals said this approach could help older people manage their health better and reduce pressure on primary care services.
DIALOR helps older people with frailty manage their health independently, reducing frailty progression and easing the burden on NHS healthcare by drawing on existing allied services such as health coaching.
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REC name
South East Scotland REC 02
REC reference
22/SS/0064
Date of REC Opinion
10 Oct 2022
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion