Research Article
Exploring How Telephone Triage Nurses Support Older People with Multimorbidity to Engage in Digital Self-management
@INPROCEEDINGS{10.1007/978-3-031-59717-6_17, author={Patricia McAleer and Julie Doyle and John Dinsmore}, title={Exploring How Telephone Triage Nurses Support Older People with Multimorbidity to Engage in Digital Self-management}, proceedings={Pervasive Computing Technologies for Healthcare. 17th EAI International Conference, PervasiveHealth 2023, Malm\o{}, Sweden, November 27-29, 2023, Proceedings}, proceedings_a={PERVASIVEHEALTH}, year={2024}, month={6}, keywords={Digital health technology Multimorbidity Older people Telephone Triage Nurse}, doi={10.1007/978-3-031-59717-6_17} }- Patricia McAleer
Julie Doyle
John Dinsmore
Year: 2024
Exploring How Telephone Triage Nurses Support Older People with Multimorbidity to Engage in Digital Self-management
PERVASIVEHEALTH
Springer
DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-59717-6_17
Abstract
In the European Union (EU), 50 million people live with multimorbidity (two or more chronic diseases), which increases in prevalence with age. As a result, a significant burden is placed on those who live with multimorbidity and on health care systems that manage it. Hence, solutions to support people aged 65+ years to self-manage their illnesses are necessary, and digital health technologies hold promise. However, human support may also be necessary, particularly for those managing multiple complex chronic conditions. A nurse-led telephone triage monitoring service offers a potential solution. The aim of this study was to explore the role of a nurse-led telephone triage service in supporting older peoples’ engagement with digital health technology. One focus group was conducted via Zoom with three telephone triage nurses (TTNs), and six telephone interviews were conducted with a sub-set of older people with multimorbidity (PwMs). Qualitative data were thematically analysed using Nvivo 12 software. PwMs reported being motivated to engage in self-management by knowing their readings were being monitored. Looking at data over time and observing trends helped the TTNs to make accurate assessments of the PwMs’ needs. Both PwMs and TTNs spoke about the warmth of their relationship even though it was conducted remotely. In conclusion, triage nurses play an important role in supporting older people to engage in self-management of multimorbid health conditions.
