Smart Technology for Aging and Reducing Disability (STAReD): Study protocol for a randomized pragmatic clinical trial

Background: There is a critical need to improve quality of life for community -dwelling older adults with disabilities. Prior research has demonstrated that a smart, in -home sensor system can facilitate aging in place for older adults living in independent living apartments with care coordination support by identifying early illness and injury detection. Self -management approaches have shown positive outcomes for many client populations. Pairing the smart, in -home sensor system with a self -management intervention for community -dwelling older adults with disabilities may lead to positive outcomes. Methods: This study is a prospective, two -arm, randomized, pragmatic clinical trial to compare the effect of a technology -supported self -management intervention on disability and health -related quality of life to that of a health education control, for rural, community -dwelling older adults. Individuals randomized to the selfmanagement study arm will receive a multidisciplinary (nursing, occupational therapist, and social work) selfmanagement approach coupled with the smart -home sensor system. Individuals randomized to the health education study arm will receive standard health education coupled with the smart -home sensor system. The primary outcomes of disability and health -related quality of life will be assessed at baseline and post -intervention. Generalizable guidance to scale the technology -supported self -management intervention will be developed from qualitatively developed exemplar cases. Conclusion: This study has the potential to impact the health and well-being of rural, community -dwelling older adults with disabilities. We have overcome barriers including recruitment in a rural population and supply chain issues for the sensor system. Our team remains on track to meet our study aims.