Doctoral Students, Western University, London, Canada
Emily Knight and Melanie Stuckey are doctoral students at Western University in London, Canada. Boot Camp alumni, we are currently working on a health intervention in a primary care setting using persuasive design approaches for health behavior change and activity prescription
The financial and resource burdens of lifestyle-related chronic conditions and diseases (such as diabetes, obesity, and hypertension) are crippling Canada’s health care system. Simultaneously, the demographic shift resulting from an aging population is placing increased demands on an already stressed health system. It is common knowledge that the current health care system in Canada cannot support the demands being placed on it, a sentiment that is echoed by industry leaders as we approach the deadline for renegotiation of the Health Accord (in 2014). Therefore, it is crucial that we examine new and novel ways of treating and managing lifestyle-related diseases and conditions.
As Boot Camp alumni, we are currently working on a health intervention in a primary care setting using persuasive design approaches for activity prescription. Through this intervention we are working with an older adult population in the London area to map out pathways for achieving prescribed health behaviors by taking into account differences in motivation and ability between patients. Using this innovative approach we aim to influence small health behaviors in a sequential fashion, and we are hoping that using a Baby Steps approach will lead to desirable health benefits. During our presentation we will discuss Baby Steps to a Healthier Future.
