The role of phone-based triage nurses in supporting older adults with multimorbidity to digitally self-manage – Findings from the ProACT proof-of-concept study

Authors: Doyle, J., McAleer, P., van Leeuwen, C., Smith, S., Murphy, E., Sillevis Smitt, M., Galvin, M., Jacobs, A., Tompkins, L., Sheerin, J., & Dinsmore, J.

Publication type: Journal

Publication year: 2022

Publication link: https://doi.org/10.1177/20552076221131140

Methods

The aim of the study was to explore the role played by a clinical, nurse-led telephone triage service in responding to alerts generated by older adults using a digital health platform, ProACT, to self-manage multiple chronic conditions over a period of 1 year. Semi-structured interviews with participants with multimorbidity were carried out across four time points during the trial, while interviews and focus groups were conducted with triage nurses at the end of the trial. Thematic analysis was conducted on the resulting transcripts.

Results

Themes found in the data include the work of triage nurses; the benefits of triage support; tensions such as anxiety due to patient monitoring; and the relationship between triage nurses and participants.

Discussion

This work contributes to an understanding of how older adults with multimorbidity and triage nurses collaborate in multiple chronic disease self-management. Findings are discussed within the context of Hudon et al.'s patient-centred care framework and indicate that patient-centred care was achieved, with both PwM and triage participants reporting positive experiences, relationships and several benefits of the triage support alongside digital self-management.