A Pilot Home-telehealth Program to Enhance Functional Ability, Physical Performance, and Physical Activity in Post-hospital Discharge Older Veterans

Daniel Liebzeit; Kristin K. Phillips; Robert V. Hogikyan; Christine T. Cigolle; Neil B. Alexander

doi:10.3928/19404921-20241105-01

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A Pilot Home-telehealth Program to Enhance Functional Ability, Physical Performance, and Physical Activity in Post-hospital Discharge Older Veterans

Journal article

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A Pilot Home-telehealth Program to Enhance Functional Ability, Physical Performance, and Physical Activity in Post-hospital Discharge Older Veterans

Daniel Liebzeit, Kristin K. Phillips, Robert V. Hogikyan, Christine T. Cigolle and Neil B. Alexander

Research in gerontological nursing, Vol.17(6), pp.271-279

01/01/2024

DOI: 10.3928/19404921-20241105-01

PMCID: PMC11961161

PMID: 39589094

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https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11961161/pdf/nihms-2064638.pdfView

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Abstract

Purpose To test a pilot home-telehealth program to enhance functional ability, physical performance, and objective physical activity in Veterans after hospital discharge. Method A physical activity trainer and multidisciplinary team supported the progression of rehabilitation goals via a 6-month home exercise program. Pilot program feasibility, including recruitment, retention, reasons for early withdrawal, differences between those who did and did not complete the program, and completion of outcome measures are reported. Outcomes include changes in functional ability, physical performance, and physical activity (using actigraphy) from baseline to endpoint. Results Twenty-one of 45 Veterans enrolled did not complete the 6-month program. No baseline differences were found comparing completers and non-completers. The majority of completers (n = 24) were White men with a mean age of 74 years (SD = 8 years, range = 64 to 93 years) and included those with no (n = 8), mild (n = 13), and moderate (n = 3) cognitive impairment. Although there were borderline improvements in functional ability and physical performance from baseline to endpoint, mean steps per day increased from 2,206 (SD = 1,780) to 3,888 (SD = 2,895) (p = 0.04). Conclusion The pilot home-telehealth program is feasible and may address declines in function and activity observed during hospital-to-home transitions, including among those with cognitive impairment.

Details

Title: Subtitle: A Pilot Home-telehealth Program to Enhance Functional Ability, Physical Performance, and Physical Activity in Post-hospital Discharge Older Veterans
Creators: Daniel Liebzeit - University of Iowa
Kristin K. Phillips - University of Iowa
Robert V. Hogikyan - University of Iowa
Christine T. Cigolle - University of Iowa
Neil B. Alexander - University of Iowa
Resource Type: Journal article
Publication Details: Research in gerontological nursing, Vol.17(6), pp.271-279
DOI: 10.3928/19404921-20241105-01
PMID: 39589094
PMCID: PMC11961161
NLM abbreviation: Res Gerontol Nurs
ISSN: 1940-4921
eISSN: 1938-2464
Publisher: Slack
Grant note: Department of Veterans Affairs, Michigan Health Endowment Fund, Michigan Older Americans Independence Center: AG024824 National Center for Research Resources Michigan Institute for Clinical and Health Research: UL1TR002240
This work was supported by the Department of Veterans Affairs, Michigan Health Endowment Fund, Michigan Older Americans Independence Center (AG024824), and the National Center for Research Resources Michigan Institute for Clinical and Health Research (UL1TR002240).
Language: English
Date published: 01/01/2024
Academic Unit: Nursing
Record Identifier: 9985139468102771

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