Patient engagement in health promotion and prevention of chronic diseases programs

• Grant number: 24/08201-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• Start date: July 01, 2024
• End date: February 29, 2028
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Computer Science
• Agreement: MCTI/MC
• Principal Investigator: João José Vasco Peixoto Furtado
• Grantee: Elioenai Lincon Guedes Alves
• Host Institution: Centro de Ciências Tecnológicas (CCT). Universidade de Fortaleza (Unifor). Fortaleza , SP, Brazil
• Company: Universidade Federal do Ceará (UFC). Reitoria
• Associated research grant: 20/09706-7 - CEREIA - Reference Center on Artificial Intelligence, AP.PCPE

Abstract

The use of virtual assistants as an engagement strategy in the self-care of diabetic (or hypertensive) patients aims to fill a gap in the monitoring of self-care between medical consultations. The hypothesis is that a virtual assistant with personalized recommendations can significantly increase engagement in self-care, such as adapted physical exercise, improved food choices and meal planning, medication adherence, and sleep quality. The justification for this approach is the low patient adherence to traditional telephone counseling, lack of personalization, and scalability challenges. With the support of artificial intelligence, it is possible to define personas based on patient behavior, epidemiological characteristics, and health conditions, enabling more strategic and effective communication. (AU)