Evaluation of a virtual coaching system eHealth intervention: A mixed methods observational cohort study in the Netherlands

• DOI: 10.1016/j.invent.2022.100501
• Publication Date: 2022-02-05T03:31:44Z
• Authors: Marian Z.M. Hurmuz; Stephanie M. Jans...; Tessa Beinema; Katrien Fischer; Harm op den Akker; Hermie J. Hermens
• Keywords: eHealth; Health coaching

With the rise in human life expectancy, prevalence of chronic disease has increased significantly. Adopting a healthy lifestyle can decrease risk disease. Virtual coaching systems help older adults adopt lifestyle.AimThe primary objective this study was to assess use, user experience and potential health effects conversational agent-based eHealth platform (Council Coaches) implemented real-world setting among adults.An observational cohort conducted with aged 55 years or Netherlands. Participants were enrolled for 5-9 weeks during which they had access Council Coaches. They completed three questionnaires: pre-test, post-test, at follow-up. After five weeks, an interview conducted, participants chose whether wanted use intervention another four facultative phase.The population consisted 51 (70.6% female) mean age 65.3 (SD = 7.4). Of these, 94.1% started interacting Coaches, most interacted once per week. During phase, 21 still Minimal clinical important differences quality found after Coaches.Our results demonstrate that interventions virtual be used adults. This may increase adults, their healthcare needs. Future research into such should take account inclusion sufficient personalised content mixed methods assessing intervention.