The overarching aim of this research project is to determine whether a behavioural intervention delivered by a smart home ecosystem is a suitable, acceptable and feasible approach to support self-management of heart failure.
The first study will investigate stakeholder (cardiologists, nurses, general practitioners and IT specialists) and potential end-user needs (people with heart failure) for a behavioural intervention developed through a smart home ecosystem to support the self-management of heart failure. A qualitative research methodology will be used; ethnographic observation and focus groups. This will ensure users are at the centre of the intervention development and design process.
The next study will design and develop the behavioural intervention and smart home features. We will work with a panel of potential end-users to define? features which map to their needs and requirements for the self-management of heart failure. We will work with an existing, prototype smart home system which uses off the shelf technology (home hubs, apps, wearable devices and other sensors) and will integrate the appropriate self-management interventions with support from the Deakin A2I2 team . A think-aloud protocol will allow participants to provide ‘real time’ feedback and this will be used to refine the intervention.
Potential end-users will trial the intervention over a 6-week period. A mixed methods approach will be used for data collection. Outcomes will include feasibility and acceptability measured by the implementation and practicality of the study and participant engagement with the intervention respectively. In-depth interviews will provide qualitative evidence.
Funding
Deakin University Postgraduate scholarship