Author Identifier
Ralph Martins: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4828-9363
Document Type
Journal Article
Publication Title
Health Expectations
Volume
28
Issue
1
PubMed ID
39930844
Publisher
Wiley
School
School of Medical and Health Sciences
Funders
National Health and Medical Research Council
Grant Number
NHMRC Number : MRF2007432
Abstract
Introduction: Hearing and vision impairments are prevalent among residents in long-term care settings. Hearing and vision impairments frequently go unsupported, affecting residents' quality of life and healthcare costs. This paper describes the protocol for a pre−post evaluation and process evaluation of a pragmatic sensory support intervention (SSI) that was developed with residents, informal caregivers and long-term care workers. Methods and Analysis: A prospective pre−post-intervention trial within long-term care will be conducted, including three groups: residents (n = 87), informal caregivers (n = 87) and long-term care workers (n = 40). Outcome measures include health-related quality of life and well-being measures relevant to each group measured at baseline, 3- and 6-months post-intervention. Health resource and sensory device utilisation will be captured from routine data and by direct observation. Qualitative interviews, including a representative sample of residents and informal caregivers, will be conducted as part of a simultaneous process evaluation. Generalised linear models and paired t-tests will be used to evaluate the effects on residents' and caregivers' quality of life and sensory device use. The cost-effectiveness of the intervention will be examined using within-trial analysis, economic modelling and budget impact assessment. A process evaluation will use descriptive statistics and thematic analysis to assess the intervention's reach, adoption, implementation, acceptability, mechanisms of change and contextual influences. Conclusion: Hearing and vision impairments are common but under-supported in older adults in long-term care. This protocol involves a systematic evaluation of the effectiveness and implementation challenges of a pragmatic SSI to optimise hearing and vision function and improve the quality of life for long-term care residents and their caregivers.
DOI
10.1111/hex.70175
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Comments
Meyer, C., El‐Saifi, N., Rose, N., Bail, K., Browning, C., Cenin, D., ... & Dawes, P. (2025). Protocol for a field trial of a hearing and vision support intervention for people living in long‐term care in Australia. Health Expectations, 28(1), e70175. https://doi.org/10.1111/hex.70175