The ProACT system will be evaluated as part of a 12-month Proof of Concept Trial, commencing in 2018, which will take place at trial sites in Ireland and Belgium. We are looking for 120 older adults (aged 65+) with multimorbidity (multiple chronic health conditions) to take part in this study, which aims to find out if new technology can help to support people living with more than one chronic health condition, and to improve the care they receive. We will ask participants to test some technology in their home for a period of 12 months, and to provide researchers with feedback that can help us to improve the technology. Participants can also choose to include members of their care network (those who support them in managing their health) in the study, and ask them to test the technology alongside them.

Who can take part?

We are looking for volunteers to take part in this study, who are:

  • Aged over 65 years

  • Living in Ireland (Louth, Dublin, Greater Dublin Area) or Belgium (Brussels, Ghent)

  • Have been diagnosed with two or more of the following conditions:

    • Diabetes

    • Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) or Chronic Bronchitis/Emphysema

    • Chronic Heart Disease, Coronary Artery Disease, or Cardiovascular Disease

    • Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)

To find out more about taking part in the trial

Contact the team

What will happen if I agree to take part?

  • We will provide you with an iPad and some devices to record information about your health and wellbeing (e.g. a blood pressure monitor, smart watch, weighing scales, room sensors)

  • If you do not have an internet connection, we will provide a broadband connection in your home for the duration of the study (12 months)

  • We will ask you to measure key symptoms or activities related to your health (e.g. blood pressure) and wellbeing (e.g. walking or sleep) using the devices, and to answer some optional questions on the iPad. You can also create a list of your current medications.

  • We will ask you to view information about your health and wellbeing on the iPad, including all of the data you record using the system.

  • You will receive full training in how to use all of the technology we provide.

  • You will be asked to take part in interviews with a researcher (in your home or by phone) at 5 different times during the study. During these interviews we will ask for your feedback about the technology, and how it helps you to manage your health and wellbeing.

  • At the end of the 12 months, the study will be over and we will remove the technology from your home.

  • You may be using the technology to measure important symptoms (vital signs) such as blood pressure. A clinical triage nurse service will be available to monitor vital signs, at no cost to you, during working hours only (Monday to Friday, 9am - 5pm)

Your Care Network

We are also interested in finding out if technology could help you to share information with others who support you in managing your health - we call these people your "care network" (e.g. relative or friend, paid care assistant, GP or pharmacist etc.) You can choose to invite people from your care network to join the study and use the technology with you. However, it is not a requirement to include anybody else - you are also free to participate in the study on your own.

Your information

Your identity will remain confidential at all times. Researchers will not need access to your medical records. We will use the results from the study in research reports and publications, but we will never use your name or other identifying information in these. Participation is completely voluntary, you can choose not to take part or to withdraw from the study at any time, with no negative consequences to you.

If you are interested in taking part, or would like to find out more about the study

Contact the team