An Exploration of Engagement and Collaboration Between Healthcare Professionals and Older Adults with Multimorbidity Using a Digital Health Platform

Multimorbidity, the occurrence of two or more chronic conditions in an individual, is a significant global health issue. It requires individuals to engage in complex self-management. It is understood that support from a care network, including healthcare professionals (HCPs), is crucial and can motivate adherence to self-management, act as an enabler to effective self-management and guide and reassure the person. However, people with multimorbidity (PwMs) often report challenges in their relationships with HCPs. Digital health technologies have potential to facilitate PwMs to share responsibility in their care by equipping them with the tools to better self-manage and to collaborate with their HCPs. This paper reports on findings from 60 PwM and 16 HCP participants who took part in the ProACT trial, whereby PwMs used the platform for a period of 12 months. Semi-structured interviews with participants resulted in four themes relating to engagement and collaboration in care, including HCP Scenarios of Engagement; The PwM Becoming a Collaborator in their Care; The Utility of Data; and Towards Integration of Care – Benefits and Challenges.