Coaching and Sensor Monitoring will be used in the SO-HIP study. The coaching is based on principles from cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) such as those used within a program for older individuals with fall anxiety (Zicht op evenwicht; www.zichtopevenwicht.nl) and motivational interviewing.

With sensor monitoring, sensors will be used to provide an objective continuous measurement of daily functioning of the older individuals (for a description of the sensors see SO-HIP tool). The sensors measure only movement and no images or sound. The information from the sensors can be made visible through a report via a secure website, so that the occuaptional therapist can use this information as a tool within the coaching. The report of the sensor data gives an overview of the daily activities that the person engages in and initiates the conversation with the client about their daily pattern of activities and the activities that are important for the client to practice. New activities and plans for the upcoming period are created based on the information in the report are discussed and planned collaboratively. The daily and weekly report scan also be used as an evaluating of the progress of the client.

In the SO-HIP study coaching takes places once per week during the stay at the health centre. After discharge there are four home visits and following this, four telephone consultations. Throughout all of these meetings the coaching takes place using 5 steps:

  1. education on the importance of moving and engaging in physical activities in daily life
  2. gaining insight into the amount of movement and activities that are engaged in daily;
  3. realistic goal setting;
  4. planning, initiating and practicing activities and
  5. feedback and evaluate progress.

All of the occupational therapists will receive training on the method of coaching and the use of sensor monitoring. (see training)