A framework for developing prediabetes self-care application

Abstract

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.

Behavioral Theory-Based Framework for Prediabetes Self-Care System—Design Perspectives and Validation Results

“…Additionally, we conducted semi-structured interviews with healthcare experts to elicit their knowledge and perspectives on self-care system design [23]. In light of these considerations, the framework was developed [22] and served as the foundation for developing a system prototype to validate the framework's core features.…”

“…We use the framework to design a system and then assess the system's feasibility. We explain in detail the design of a prototype, i-PreventDiabetes, which integrates health behavioral change theories, BCTs, and user requirements based on this framework [22]. The system was assessed in order to draw conclusions about its feasibility and acceptance by individuals with prediabetes.…”

Assessing the Usability of a Prediabetes Self-Care Application: a Multi-Method Approach

“…These theories allow people to be aware of their behaviour towards their health and aid them in achieving their personal health goals. User requirements analysis for a prediabetes self-care application [4,5] and a framework to develop self-care application for prediabetes [6] helped us to develop a functional prototype of i-PreventDiabetes (i-PreDi), a novel and ubiquitous self-care application to empower prediabetics, which integrates behavioural change theories and techniques. Figure 1 illustrates the framework for i-PreDi.…”