Title: E-health relationships diabetes: 50 weeks evaluation

Authors: Luuk P.A. Simons; Hanno Pijl; John Verhoef; Hildo J. Lamb; Ben Van Ommen; Bas Gerritsen; Maurice B. Bizino; Marieke Snel; Ralph Feenstra; Catholijn M. Jonker

Addresses: Delft University of Technology, Van Mourik Broekmanweg 6, 2628 XE Delft, Netherlands; Health Coach Program, Stevinweg 1, 2628 CN Delft, Netherlands ' Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA Leiden, Netherlands ' Leiden University of Applied Sciences, Zernikedreef 11, 2333 CK Leiden, Netherlands ' Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA Leiden, Netherlands ' TNO, Utrechtseweg 48, 3704 HE Zeist, Netherlands ' Health Coach Program, Stevinweg 1, 2628 CN Delft, Netherlands ' Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA Leiden, Netherlands ' Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA Leiden, Netherlands ' Health Coach Program, Stevinweg 1, 2628 CN Delft, Netherlands ' Delft University of Technology, Van Mourik Broekmanweg 6, 2628 XE Delft, Netherlands

Abstract: Hybrid e-health support was given to 11 insulin-dependent type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) patients, with electronic support plus a multi-disciplinary health support team. Challenges were low ICT and health literacy. After 50 weeks, attractiveness and feasibility of the intervention were perceived as high: recommendation 9.5 out of 10 and satisfaction 9.6 out of 10. Technology acceptance model (TAM) surveys showed high usefulness and feasibility. Acceptance and health behaviours were reinforced by the prolonged health results: aerobic and strength capacity levels were improved at 50 weeks, plus health related quality of life (plus biometric benefits and medication reductions, reported elsewhere). Regarding e-health theory, we conclude that iterative skill growth cycles are beneficial for long-term adoption and e-relationships. Next, the design analysis shows opportunities for additional affective and social support, on top of the strong benefits already apparent from the direct progress feedback loops used within the health coach processes.

Keywords: type 2 diabetes; DM2; e-health; lifestyle; monitoring; coaching; blended care; service design.

DOI: 10.1504/IJBET.2022.120864

International Journal of Biomedical Engineering and Technology, 2022 Vol.38 No.1, pp.81 - 98

Received: 22 Jun 2018
Accepted: 13 Sep 2018
Published online: 15 Feb 2022 *

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