ABSTRACT Aim To evaluate the effectiveness of the Smart Post‐Discharge Elderly Health Management Platform on health‐related quality of life and self‐management after hospital discharge. Background The global aging population has increased challenges in post‐discharge care for older adults, particularly due to chronic conditions and the need for continuous care. Design Cluster randomised controlled trial. Methods The trial enrolled 383 elderly patients assigned to a platform‐based intervention or standard telephone follow‐up, with health‐related quality of life, self‐management, usability and economic outcomes assessed over 6 months. This study was reported in accordance with the CONSORT guidelines. Results Repeated measures analyses showed significantly greater improvements in HRQoL in the intervention group over 6 months ( p = 0.026), with significant improvements across multiple physical and mental health domains ( p = 0.002–0.021). Self‐management total scores increased significantly ( p < 0.001). Platform usability was rated highly by 96.35% of users, and 70.83% reported reduced healthcare costs. Conclusions Providing a practical framework for integrating technology into nursing practice for aging populations, this platform shows promise for post‐discharge elderly care by strengthening nurse‐led digital health delivery, care continuity, self‐management and health outcomes beyond hospital settings. Trial Registration: ChiCTR2400089720
Fu et al. (Fri,) studied this question.