465 - Designing for Dignity: Health Tech Innovations for Older Adults

In this episode of Talking HealthTech, Lynette Reeves , a Behaviour Change Specialist from the Miroma Project Factory (MPF), and Professor Kim Delbaere , a Senior Principal Research Scientist at NeuRA (Neuroscience Research Australia) , dive into the interplay between technology, behaviour change, and healthcare.?

The emphasis is placed on the importance of flexibility when developing technology products, the role of gamification in driving behaviour change, and the necessity of involving end-users, particularly older adults, in the design process. Additionally, the use of technology to prevent falls in older adults is highlighted, along with the balance between personalised care and standardised protocols in health tech.

Flexibility in Building Health Technology

In constructing effective health technology, flexibility is paramount. Lynette compares this process to building and customising a house. Just as a house may undergo renovations over time to suit its occupants' changing needs, technology products must be adaptable. This adaptability ensures they remain relevant and effective, particularly when addressing healthcare requirements and regulatory compliance.

Understanding a product's roadmap and the complexity of its technology stack is crucial. You'll struggle to get there if you don’t understand where you’re going. This understanding is especially vital in health technology, where products undergo rigorous scrutiny to conform to regulatory standards while addressing user needs comprehensively.

Gamification as a Tool for Behaviour Change

Gamification leverages game-design elements in non-game contexts to engage users and encourage specific behaviours. Within the healthcare sector, this strategy can promote positive behaviour change. Frequent flyer points are a prime example, where rewards and psychological insights combine to maintain user engagement.

Different age groups respond uniquely to gamification . For instance, younger children might find stickers motivating, while older teens may be driven by the concept of collecting and trading items. Gamification taps into the inherent human desire for reward and recognition.

Designing for Older Adults

The shift to technology-based health solutions has highlighted the need to design products that cater to older adults and those with limited tech experience. The StandingTall program was designed using human-centred and co-design processes. Engaging older adults in the design ensures the technology is user-friendly and meets their needs.

Older generations are capable of using technology beyond expectations. They are willing to learn technology if it benefits them by allowing them to remain independent and connected. Their involvement in design helps clarify user interfaces and create intuitive elements, enhancing the overall user experience.

Encouraging Independence with Technology

Technology can support individuals with conditions like early-stage dementia to live independently longer. The MPF has developed a healthy ageing product called LIV in collaboration with the Department of Health and Aged Care , aimed at helping individuals with early-stage dementia live at home longer. The app is designed for users to easily request assistance with daily tasks, addressing the common challenge of asking for help. It also allows the creation of a small support community. Users with dementia can use the app to seek help, while their carers can also advocate for them, working together as a pair.

The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the transition to telehealth , and older users found this empowering. It enabled them to connect with healthcare providers and family members, thus overcoming isolation and maintaining social bonds. Designing user-friendly technology and providing robust customer support are critical in helping older users overcome any fears and technical challenges they might encounter.

Challenging Ageism in Technology

Ageism in the workforce remains a pressing issue. Providing resources and support for older people to use technology is essential to overcoming these biases. Challenging stereotypes and creating inclusive environments where older adults can thrive technologically is necessary.

Older adults' participation in the tech industry can bring valuable perspectives, enhancing the inclusivity of health tech innovations. Age should never be a barrier to learning or contributing to technological advancements .

Building and Scaling Health Tech Products

When developing a minimum viable product (MVP), it's crucial to focus on the essential features that validate the value proposition and gather user feedback. Through iterative development and user feedback, health tech products can evolve to meet the needs of a broader audience and withstand regulatory scrutiny. Achieving a scalable product might require multiple rebuilds, but it ensures the final solution can deliver value at a larger scale.

Behaviour Change and Technology Integration

Prof Kim’s work focuses on understanding how technology can drive behaviour change in older adults, particularly in preventing falls. Creating routines and habits through tech applications is crucial in achieving long-term adherence to health interventions. Randomised controlled trials with large groups help identify behaviour patterns and refine these interventions.

Personality traits and chronic conditions significantly influence how individuals respond to tech-driven behaviour change initiatives. Integrating these factors into program designs can develop more tailored and effective solutions. Empathy in design leads to solutions that resonate with users personally.

Co-Designing Health Tech for Effective Solutions

Co-designing health tech solutions with the target group ensures they are effective and engaging. Involving users in the development process from the outset enhances the relevance and usability of the final product.?

Successful health tech programs hinge on the active participation of end-users in their creation, making the solutions more intuitive and impactful. Co-design transforms insights into practical applications, ensuring solutions fit real-world needs.

Managing Patient Autonomy and Data Privacy

With the rise of wearables and AI in health tech, managing patient autonomy and data privacy has become increasingly complex. There is a need for careful data architecture and management to ensure privacy and compliance with diverse global regulatory pathways. Data privacy must not be an afterthought; it’s integral to patient trust and system integrity.

Effective data management practices safeguard patient information and encourage greater adoption of health tech solutions. Addressing these concerns transparently can enhance user confidence and engagement.

Balancing Personalised and Standardised Care

The balance between personalised care and standardised protocols is critical in health technology. AI and other tech solutions can help deliver personalised care while ensuring adherence to evidence-based standards. This approach enhances patient outcomes and maintains the integrity of clinical practices. By focusing on prevention, health tech can reduce the incidence of diseases and conditions, ultimately improving population health.

Navigating the Future of Health Technology

The future of health technology lies in its ability to adapt, engage users, and integrate seamlessly into existing healthcare frameworks. By prioritising user-centric design, embracing flexibility, and addressing data privacy and compliance, the health tech industry can develop solutions that are effective, scalable, and universally accessible.?

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