Title: Employee hypertension self-management support with microlearning and social learning

Authors: Luuk P.A. Simons; Bas Gerritsen; Bas Wielaard; Mark A. Neerincx

Addresses: Faculty of Computer Science, Delft University of Technology, Delft, Netherlands ' Health Coach Program, Laan van Waalhaven 442, 2497 GR, The Hague, Netherlands ' Health Coach Program, Laan van Waalhaven 442, 2497 GR, The Hague, Netherlands ' Faculty of Computer Science, Delft University of Technology, Delft, Netherlands

Abstract: A majority of employees over the age of 40 have hypertension, impacting their health and performance. A two-week self-management support (SMS) intervention was tested, with daily feedback and microlearning cycles to improve health self-management competences. On average, participants (n = 8) reduced their blood pressure from 145/92 mmHg to 126/86 mmHg. User evaluation confirmed the importance of core SMS aspects: information transfer, daily monitoring, enhancing problem solving/decision making, self-treatment using a tailored action plan, coping skills, and skilful coach follow-up. Several lessons are drawn on microlearning, peer coaching, health results, intrinsic motivation, and social learning, which appear useful for other health improvement initiatives.

Keywords: hypertension; self-management support; SMS; microlearning; social learning; eHealth; employee health.

DOI: 10.1504/IJNVO.2024.140218

International Journal of Networking and Virtual Organisations, 2024 Vol.30 No.4, pp.350 - 365

Received: 08 Sep 2023
Accepted: 28 Feb 2024
Published online: 30 Jul 2024 *

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