Feasibility of delivering a digital multiple health behaviour intervention via a home-telemonitoring system: engagement, outcomes, and user experiences

Abstract

Finding novels ways to deliver digital health behaviour interventions could increase their reach and impact. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of using a home-telemonitoring system (offered to eligible patients by regional authorities in Sweden for symptom- and health marker monitoring) as a novel dissemination opportunity. The intervention has been previously found effective at changing health behaviours in a general online help-seeking population. In the present study, participants were not randomised: all had access to the intervention (pre-post analyses). Among 416 patients offered the digital intervention, 12.0% (n = 50) signed up, 58.0% (n = 29) of whom completed the 16-week follow-up. After 16-weeks of intervention access, participants reported increased fruit and vegetable intake (median = + 95.4 g/day) and decreased candy consumption (median= -58.4 g/week), but little change in alcohol consumption or physical activity. Changes were non-linear throughout the study, with the largest changes observed at the beginning and after 8-week follow-up. Participants were generally satisfied with the support, though concerns of personal relevance, disproportionate personal responsibility, low content specificity, and frustration with repetitive reminders were noted. With intervention tailoring to the population and delivery system, home-telemonitoring systems could offer a way to increase proactive intervention reach beyond individuals already seeking help.