Authors:
Kuthethur Sneha Jagannath Das
1
;
Tessa Beinema
2
;
Harm op den Akker
2
and
Hermie Hermens
3
Affiliations:
1
Biomedical Signals and Systems, University of Twente, 7522NB, Enschede, The Netherlands, Telemedicine Group, Roessingh Research and Development,7522 AH, Enschede and The Netherlands
;
2
Telemedicine Group, Roessingh Research and Development,7522 AH, Enschede and The Netherlands
;
3
Biomedical Signals and Systems, University of Twente, 7522NB, Enschede and The Netherlands
Keyword(s):
Virtual Coaching, Embodied Conversational Agents, Behaviour Change, Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.
Abstract:
Diabetes Mellitus is a chronic condition that is highly prevalent in the geriatric population. Self-management plays a key role in the management of this condition. Leading an active lifestyle and having a healthy meal are cornerstones in managing this condition. Now with the advancement in Information and Communication Technology (ICT), continuous and proactive care from the affected individual’s side is possible. A change in the individual’s behaviour would be beneficial in pursuing physical activity and adopting a healthy diet. This paper focuses on providing a dialogue based virtual health coaching through multiple Embodied Conversational Agents (ECAs), using strategies such as Motivational Interviewing (MI), Theories of Behaviour Change and Behaviour Change Techniques (BCTs). The dialogues are constructed to induce a behaviour change and promote motivation in the affected subjects to work on improving their physical activity and diet plan.