Sufficient exercise is important for everyone, but especially for patients with chronic conditions. Wearable activity sensors have strong potential to effectively encourage physical activity in these patients within primary care and rehabilitation centres. However, healthcare professionals experience challenges using motion sensors for example, setup, data interpretation, and integration into daily workflows.

Objective

The aim of this project is to develop an evidence-based practice methodology that supports healthcare professionals in deploying exercise sensors. The methodology will be developed in close collaboration with practice. 

Target group

The target group of the project are health professionals who are treating patients with chronic conditions, such as cardiovascular disease or stroke. The professionals, such as physiotherapists, exercise therapists and occupational therapists, play a crucial role in using technology to enhance their patients’ physical activity behaviour.

Method

This project is a design-oriented study that closely involves practitioners through focus groups, group meetings and expert interviews. The project consists of two phases:

  1. Problem finding: The first phase focuses on what will be developed. In this phase, a comprehensive problem analysis is made and a list of requirements is drawn up.
  2. Solution finding: The second phase focuses on developing the methodology, through co-creation design sessions with stakeholders. In this phase, a prototype will be developed that will be tested and evaluated in practice. 

Result

The result will be a methodology whose form will be determined during the project in consultation with practitioners. This will support exercise care professionals in the targeted use of exercise sensors in the treatment of patients with chronic conditions.

Duration

The terms of the project is two years and runs from 1 September 2024 to 31 August 2026.

Team

  • Hanneke Braakhuis
  • Monique Berger
  • Jorit Meesters
  • Lieke Hollander

Collaboration

For this project, The Hague University of Applied Sciences is collaborating with several partners:

Funding

This project is funded by a RAAK public grant from Regieorgaan SIA.

Contact

Hanneke Braakhuis ([email protected])