A framework for developing prediabetes self-care application

Preventing diabetes at the prediabetes stage is a crucial step to take as the damages done by diabetes is non-reversible. In the recent years, the number of diabetics has been increasing tremendously, which is predominantly due to unhealthy lifestyle and diet. To prevent diabetes, human behaviour needs to be altered: a new positive habit should replace an old habit. Self-care applications have great potential in fostering diabetes prevention. However, existing solutions mostly do not follow clinical guidelines, do not incorporate user expectations, are aimed to deliver a specific functionality (such as weight management), are not designed based on behavioural change theories, and therefore they are not designed for long term use. Integrating health behavioural change theories and the prediabetics' requirements into the development of self-care applications can empower consumers to better care of their own health. In this paper, we propose a prediabetes self-care application design framework, which incorporates behavioural change theories, and meets requirements of prediabetics. The framework was validated by a pool of health-related experts from various fields. Results indicate that the framework comprised necessary functions that would enable prediabetes to prevent diabetes. The framework would aid developers to design novel prediabetes applications that would enable users to take greater responsibility towards their health, which in return helps to save medical cost

A conceptual privacy framework for privacy-aware IoT health applications

Internet of things (IoT) is intensely gaining reputation due to its necessity and efficiency in the computer realm.The support of wireless connectivity as well as the emergence of gadgets alleviates its usage essentially in governing systems in various fields.Though these systems are ubiquitous, pervasive and seamless, an issue concerning consumers’ privacy remains debatable. This is most evident in the health sector, as there is an immaculate rise in terms of awareness amongst patients where data privacy is concerned. In this paper, we propose a framework modelling the privacy requirements for IoT-based health applications.We have reviewed several privacy frameworks to derive at the essential principles required to develop privacy-aware IoT health applications.The proposed framework presents important privacy requirements to be addressed in the development of novel IoT health applications

A conceptual privacy framework for privacy-aware IoT health applications

Internet of things (IoT) is intensely gaining reputation due to its necessity and efficiency in the computer realm.The support of wireless connectivity as well as the emergence of gadgets alleviates its usage essentially in governing systems in various fields.Though these systems are ubiquitous, pervasive and seamless, an issue concerning consumers’ privacy remains debatable. This is most evident in the health sector, as there is an immaculate rise in terms of awareness amongst patients where data privacy is concerned. In this paper, we propose a framework modelling the privacy requirements for IoT-based health applications.We have reviewed several privacy frameworks to derive at the essential principles required to develop privacy-aware IoT health applications.The proposed framework presents important privacy requirements to be addressed in the development of novel IoT health applications

User requirements for prediabetes self-care application: a healthcare professional perspective

The number of people with diabetes is increasing dreadfully in the world today. Efforts to prevent diabetes should be taken at the prediabetes stage itself, because with proper lifestyle changes, diabetes can be prevented or delayed. As such, a self-care application can help prediabetics to monitor their own health to prevent diabetes. The objective of this study is to explore the healthcare professionals’ perspectives that contribute to behavioural change in prediabetics and the user requirements for a self-care application. We conducted semi-structured interviews with eight healthcare professionals. Pre-determined set of open-ended questions were asked by the interviewer to prompt the discussion. Thematic Analysis approach was used to evaluate the responses. Overall, the health professionals were keen with the idea of empowering prediabetics to take control of their health conditions via a self-care application incorporating behaviour change techniques. Several functions were suggested to be included into the application such as forums to allow discussions among the prediabetics, coaching to communicate with healthcare professionals and peer/family support to motivate them to use the applications continuously

Eliciting user requirements to design a prediabetes self-care application: a focus group study with prediabetics and diabetics

Objective: To explore the users’ insights that contributes to behaviour change in prediabetics and the user requirements for a self-care application from the prediabetics’ perspective. Methods/Statistical Analysis: We conducted Focus Group Discussions (FGD) on four distinct groups of diabetics and prediabetics at a Diabetes Resource Centre and among the public through advertisement. Open-ended questions were asked to stimulate the discussions. Transcripts of each discussion session were read several times, coded, categorised and analysed thoroughly by identifying the themes. The facial expressions during the discussion were also observed and taken into consideration. Findings: Results indicated that diabetes can be prevented through proper lifestyle changes, if and only if the person is willing to change his/her behaviour. The idea of a self-care application was well accepted by the participants and the components to be included were identified. The identified components are such as self-monitoring, diet, exercise, activity planning, goal setting, forum, social support and reminders. As for diabetics, taking medication has second highest priority where else it holds lesser priority among prediabetics. About 20% of the participants showed less interest in a self-care application either because they are not technology savvy or because of their advanced age status. Application/Improvements: A framework for designing prediabetes self-care application will be formulated, which integrates behavioural change theories

Evaluation of a Social Web-based Telehealth System

Increasing healthcare costs and demographic changes necessitate healthcare interventions that foster independent care. Existing telehealth systems are focused on treating diseases instead of preventing them, suffer from high initial costs, lack extensibility, and do not address the social and psychological needs of patients. We developed Healthcare4Life, an online telehealth system for seniors. In this paper, we report the results of a 6-week user study involving 43 seniors (aged 60 and above). Results indicate that seniors are ready to take charge of their health via a web-based telehealth system, provided there are suitable health applications for them to use. The social networking features require a sufficiently large user base to be useful. The results also suggest that web-based telehealth solutions can positively change the attitude of seniors towards managing their own healthcare

Modelling the significance of social support, theory of planned behaviour and trust for social capital growth in energy sectors

This study investigates the factors and theories that drive social capital in energy sector. Social capital can be procured and further developed for productive and mutual benefits, particularly for Malaysia's energy sectors with the rise of social commerce and the maturing of social media. In this study, a research framework was developed and evaluated to promote social capital. The framework defines the relationship between the Theories of Planned Behaviour (TPB) and Social Support Theory (SST) alongside Trust factors, stimulating social capital expansion in energy sectors. This research utilises PLS-SEM to examine the data gathered from employee in the energy sectors in Malaysia. The research demonstrates the presence of social capital when trust and social support exist among users and encourages positive changes and benefits in the aspects of productivity, efficiency, and profitability in energy sectors. In order to analyse the research factor's validity and its reliability, the study adapted a survey which was circulated to 100 respondents from the energy sector in Malaysia. Results show that the entire proposed factors are crucial in promoting social capital