Timo Jämsä

Software Design Principles for Digital Behavior Change Interventions

Using the Internet as a delivery channel has become a popular approach to conducting health promotion interventions, n nand the evidence indicates that such interventions can be effective. In this paper we propose a set n nof design principles and a generic architectural model based on experiences accumulated while developing a n nWeb-based application for a physical activation intervention. The proposed principles address the development n nof an intervention application as an abstract entity, a platform for gathering data for the needs of three n nprincipal stakeholder groups. The principles are derived from the purposes for which the data is gathered and n nthe constraints that may limit the availability of desired data; by observing these principles, developers of intervention n napplications can identify the design trade-offs they need to make to ensure that all stakeholder needs n nare adequately fulfilled. An evolutionary development process is proposed as a way of gradually working n ntoward an application that induces the desired effect on the behavior of the users.

Assistive technologies at home for people with a memory disorder

The aim of this study was to assess in practice whether assistive technologies support and facilitate the work of a family caregiver or care staff, and whether these technologies support the independence of a person with a memory disorder. A comprehensive set of supportive devices and alarm systems were experimentally tested in the care of five test subjects in an assisted living facility by eight nurses, and in the care of four test subjects in a home environment by three family caregivers and one care team. Questionnaires, diaries and logged data were used to evaluate the benefits of the devices. Simple aids and alarm systems that did not need much adjusting were considered most useful by caregivers and nurses, though multiple false alarms occurred during the test period. Technical connection problems, complex user interface, and inadequate sound quality were the primary factors reducing the utility of the tested devices. Further experimental research is needed to evaluate the utility of assistive technologies in different stages of a memory disorder.

Computer game and wearable sensors based approach to promote physical activity for young men

In this work, it was tested if a computer game and wearable sensors could be used to motivate young men to increase their everyday activity. The game itself was planned so that the possibility to play the game and success in it was dependent of how much activity the subject achieved during his everyday life. A pilot version of a computer game, called Space Pioneer, was developed for this purpose while the activity measures were collected using three type of sensors: pedometer, Polar Active activity monitor or mobile phone application. The results were varying; although many subjects did not even try the game or disliked it, the awareness of subjects own physical condition as well as daily activity information were found out to be motivating factors in the target group.

Relationship Between Everyday Health Information Literacy and Attitudes Towards Mobile Technology Among Older People

In order to benefit from advanced mobile information technology (AMIT) in e-health services, people need competencies in finding, evaluating, and understanding health-related information in varying everyday life situations, that is, everyday health information literacy (EHIL). This study focused on the relationship between EHIL and AMIT use and attitudes towards it among older adults. A paper questionnaire was posted to a random sample of 1,500 home dwelling subjects aged 65 or more living in Northern Finland. A variety of themes were addressed in the questionnaire including a 4-item version of an EHIL screening tool. The response rate was 61% (n = 918). Older adults with negative attitudes towards or having less experience with mobile information technology were likely to have poor self-estimated EHIL skills. Older people are at risk of marginalization in regard to m-services, and these results should be utilized by decision-makers and software designers in digitalization of services.