Abstract
Can voice-activated personal assistants support diabetes prevention and management? results from a formative research study
Adam Vincent1, Sara Jacobs, PhD2, Nikie Sarris Esquivel, MPH3, Wendi Elkins2, Laura Arena2, Casey Horvitz, MPH2, Valerie Ng2, LaShonda Hulbert4 and Yvonne Mensa-Wilmot5
(1)Research Triangle Park, NC, (2)RTI International, Research Triangle Park, NC, (3)RTI International, Durham, NC, (4)Atlanta, GA, (5)CDC, Atlanta, GA
APHA 2023 Annual Meeting and Expo
- Background: Voice-activated personal assistants (VAPAs) offer innovative ways to support healthy habit formation—with the goal of preventing and/or managing chronic diseases, including diabetes. However, we currently lack evidence about how this technology can be integrated into programs like the National Diabetes Prevention Program (National DPP) lifestyle change program or diabetes self-management education and support (DSMES) services.
- Objective/Purpose: To examine the feasibility and usefulness of incorporating VAPAs into diabetes prevention and management programs.
- Methods: After interviewing National DPP lifestyle change program and DSMES staff, participants, and subject matter experts (SMEs), we conducted rapid qualitative analysis to identify emergent themes. We used a version of the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research to develop guides and analyze data. We prioritized programs that serve populations at high risk for type 2 diabetes.
- Results: Potential VAPA uses to support diabetes prevention and management include setting reminders (e.g., for medication adherence), encouraging healthy habit formation, and tracking health indicators. Program staff reported concerns about VAPA usability among participants with: (1) lower socioeconomic status who may not have access to a smart speaker or internet, (2) language barriers, and/or (3) limited comfort using VAPAs. SMEs noted that voice recognition software needs improvement to increase utility beyond responding to simple commands.
- Discussion/Conclusions: VAPAs could be useful when integrated into prevention and management programs, primarily for people who have access to and are comfortable using VAPA technology. It is also important for programs to consider costs and potential access issues among their participants.
Chronic disease management and prevention Communication and informatics Implementation of health education strategies, interventions and programs Planning of health education strategies, interventions, and programs Public health or related research