Get moving! Selfmanagement support using mobile technology

Summary

Get moving! Selfmanagement support using mobile technology
Renée Verwey, Sanne van der Weegen

Aim/method: Daily exercise can improve overall physical fitness, reduce symptoms and enhance quality of life, however diabetes and lung patients often find this difficult due to obesity or shortness of breath. An innovative tool can help increase exercise. It consists of an activity monitor that can be wirelessly connected to a smartphone and an online coaching system. The specially developed app and website are used to track exercise time in relation to personal goals. Two dissertations evaluated this tool in 24 general medical practices.
Findings/conclusion: One dissertation reported the tool’s development and usability, and validated the activity monitor. The tool was developed in close consultation with patients and healthcare practitioners so it is tailored to their specific needs and experiences. Seeing their exercise time, setting concrete goals and receiving support from the primary care nurse stimulated patients to move more. The second dissertation described development and testing of the counselling protocol for primary care nurses and the online coaching system. Primary care nurses were enthusiastic about using the programme and system to encourage patients to become more active. The objective activity information helped them offer patients tailored support. Both dissertations included an evaluation study and process evaluation. The combined intervention approach increased average daily exercise time by 12 minutes in people with COPD or type 2 diabetes, compared to people who received usual care. Both patients and primary care nurses found the intervention valuable.