In the era of digital health, the PROTECT trial stands out as a significant step towards integrating technology into patient care. This approach emphasizes person-centred care facilitated through innovative telehealth and e-health interventions. Set against the backdrop of nine public primary healthcare facilities in Gothenburg, Sweden, the intervention targets chronic heart failure and COPD patients. The initiative not only nurtures autonomy in patients by involving them in their healthcare plans but also mobilizes healthcare professionals to adapt and support patients’ evolving health needs.
Study Design and Participant Dynamics
The study incorporated an exploratory, descriptive, observational framework as part of the larger PROTECT trial process evaluation. It aimed to monitor the patterns of interaction between patients and healthcare professionals with the intervention. Conducted among 110 participants with chronic heart conditions, the study assessed how the intervention shaped healthcare delivery and resource allocation.
Functional Components of the Intervention
Over six months, the intervention featured two key elements: person-centred telephone support and a digital platform, enhancing standard care. Patients co-created personalized health plans, capitalizing on both the digital platform and direct communication with healthcare providers. Usage patterns showed a predilection for digital platform activities, highlighting the patients’ inclination towards personalized and accessible healthcare solutions.
– A structured facilitation through digital and telephonic means empowers patients.
– Initial engagement prompts sustainable self-care behaviors.
– Healthcare professionals adapt to diverse communication needs to optimize patient support.
– Digital platforms offer economic and scalable healthcare solutions for chronic illness management.
Evaluating the time allocation reveals that during the initial three months, the majority of interactions occurred. Healthcare professionals contributed substantially, though patients predominantly utilized the digital platform, dedicating most of their time to proactive health management. Synchronous communication engaged participants, with average calls lasting over an hour, highlighting the importance of personal interaction in building effective care plans.
Effectively implementing telehealth solutions presents opportunities and challenges. Resources can be optimized, as demonstrated by the possibility of 15 full-time healthcare professionals managing care for 10,000 patients in a controlled setting. Patients, empowered by personalized and direct engagement, are poised to enhance their self-management skills. Healthcare systems must harness these insights to refine telehealth designs and policies for superior patient outcomes. Engaging patients in their care journey through modern digital means transforms chronic illness management, aligning healthcare delivery with contemporary needs and expectations.
This article has been prepared with the assistance of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more details, please refer to our Terms and Conditions. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author.
