Making the Most of Your Healthcare intervention for older adults with multiple chronic illnesses

Abstract

Objective: This study tested the efficacy of a patient engagement intervention for older adults with multiple chronic illnesses.

Methods: Seventy-nine participants were randomly assigned to receive the intervention (Intervention Group), contacts on a different topic (Safety Group), or Usual Care. The Intervention and Safety Groups attended a 2-h workshop and participated in phone calls; one before and one after a naturally-occurring medical encounter. The Intervention Group discussed patient engagement concepts from publicly distributed content. The Safety Group discussed general safety (e.g., fire safety, identity theft). Self-report measures were gathered by telephone interview at Baseline and 6-months following Baseline.

Results: We did not find expected improvements in patient activation and health-related quality of life. However, the Intervention Group was the only group to show a statistically significant improvement in self-efficacy for self-management.

Conclusion: The intervention shows promise for improving quality of life and/or health, but requires refinement to reach persons not already engaged in their healthcare and to strengthen its effects.

Practice implications: Patient-directed skills training interventions may be a successful way to support clinicians' and others' efforts to encourage older patients to be actively involved in their care.