There is a wealth of data showing the benefits of lifestyle behaviour change from activities that create high risk for poor health to those that lead to more optimal health. The question asked by any nurse initiating a health promotion project is what supports people in their efforts to change? The discussion this week focuses on the use of mobile technology to support changes in diet and exercise. In the study, participants were encouraged in their efforts to change through remote coaching by mobile decision support technology and financial incentives.
Some Questions to consider:
- Why do you think the use of mobile devices was effective in supporting the participants to change their diet and exercise patterns?
- In your opinion, what other health promotion strategies would be successful with the use of support using mobile devices, and why?
- What do you perceive to be barriers and facilitators to the use of mobile devices in health promotion activities?
- Do you think financial incentives played a part in the outcomes of this study?
Article for discussion:
Spring, B., Schneider, K., McFadden, H. G.,Vaughn, J. Kozak, A., Smith, M., Moller, A.,. Epstein, L. H., DeMott, A., Hedeker, D., Siddique, J., Lloyd-Jones, D.M. (2012). Multiple Behavior Changes in Diet and Activity A Randomized Controlled Trial Using Mobile Technology. Arch Intern Med. 172(10):789-796. doi:10.1001/archinternmed.2012.1044.
Abstract of Article at: http://bit.ly/KS1Mrw
EBN Commentary at: http://bit.ly/X62Wus
The discussion will take place Wednesday, April 3 (14.00 UK time) to Friday, April 5 (16.00 Eastern Canadian time), 2013. Be sure to tweet your messages and include #ebnjc to be part of the discussion.