Evaluation of the Effectiveness of the Smart Post-Discharge Elderly Health Management Platform for Older Patients' Health-Related Quality of Life: A Cluster Randomised Controlled Trial.

AIM: To evaluate the effectiveness of the Smart Post-Discharge Elderly Health Management Platform on health-related quality of life and self-management after hospital discharge.

BACKGROUND

The global aging population has increased challenges in post-discharge care for older adults, particularly due to chronic conditions and the need for continuous care.

DESIGN

Cluster randomised controlled trial.

METHODS

The trial enrolled 383 elderly patients assigned to a platform-based intervention or standard telephone follow-up, with health-related quality of life, self-management, usability and economic outcomes assessed over 6 months. This study was reported in accordance with the CONSORT guidelines.

RESULTS

Repeated measures analyses showed significantly greater improvements in HRQoL in the intervention group over 6 months (p = 0.026), with significant improvements across multiple physical and mental health domains (p = 0.002-0.021). Self-management total scores increased significantly (p < 0.001). Platform usability was rated highly by 96.35% of users, and 70.83% reported reduced healthcare costs.

CONCLUSIONS

Providing a practical framework for integrating technology into nursing practice for aging populations, this platform shows promise for post-discharge elderly care by strengthening nurse-led digital health delivery, care continuity, self-management and health outcomes beyond hospital settings.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: ChiCTR2400089720.