Sep 15, 2025
1:00 PM2:00 PM
Poster Session
P690 - DIGITALLY-SUPPORTED GERIATRIC REHABILITATION AT HOME: PERSPECTIVES OF OLDER ADULTS AND HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS ON NUTRITION AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY REHABILITATION INTERVENTIONS
P690
DIGITALLY-SUPPORTED GERIATRIC REHABILITATION AT HOME: PERSPECTIVES OF OLDER ADULTS AND HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS ON NUTRITION AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY REHABILITATION INTERVENTIONS
E. N. Klaassen1,2,*, S. M. de Droog3, A. H. Hengelaar4,5, J. D. Schoufour1,2, M. S. Holstege6,7,8, M. van der Schaaf2,9,10,11, P. J. Weijs1,2,12, B. Visser2,10,13, D. Bossen2
1Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Health, Sport and Physical Activity, 2Centre of Expertise Urban Vitality, Faculty of Health, Sport and Physical Activity, 3Digital Life, Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences, Amsterdam, 4Department Public Health and Primary Care, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden University, Leiden, 5Department of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Health Sports and Physical Activity, Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences, Amsterdam, 6Department of Research GRZPLUS, Omring and Zorgcirkel, 7Department of Research Omring, Omring, Hoorn, 8Research group geriatric rehabilitation, Centre of Expertise Prevention in Health and Social Care, Faculty of Health, Sports and Social work, InHolland University of Applied Sciences, 9Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Health, Sport and Physical Activity, Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences, 10Ageing and Vitality, Amsterdam Movement Sciences, 11Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, 12Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, 13Department of Human Movement Sciences, Faculty of Behavioural and Movement Sciences, Amsterdam Movement Sciences Research Institute, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
Rationale: Adequate dietary protein intake combined with sufficient physical activity are essential for preserving muscle mass and physical functioning in older adults. Older adults recovering at home after geriatric rehabilitation (GR) face challenges in sustaining these health behaviors, risking functional decline and increased healthcare needs. The integration of eHealth in GR has great potential to improve the rehabilitation process and health outcomes, but more research is needed. This study explores the experiences and needs of older adults and healthcare professionals in continuing GR in the home-environment integrating eHealth.
Methods: Twelve semi-structured interviews were conducted with older adults (≥60), who had recently undergone inpatient GR and subsequently returned home to continue rehabilitation. Furthermore, three focus groups were held with geriatric healthcare professionals from primary care and GR settings. These groups were led by a moderator and the researchers. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis.
Results: Four main themes emerged from the interviews: 1) The transition from inpatient GR to home showed different experiences – some felt prepared, others uncertain; 2) Persevering with home rehabilitation varied, as some managed well, while others faced challenges with motivation and structure; 3) Knowledge about nutrition and physical activity was generally limited; 4) Attitudes on incorporating eHealth varied, with both interest and concerns about usability and relevance. Results of the focus groups are presented in September.
Conclusion: This study provides valuable insights into the experiences and needs of older adults and healthcare professionals regarding the integration of eHealth into nutritional and physical activity interventions aimed at enhancing rehabilitation outcomes in the home-environment.
Disclosure of Interest: None declared