Persuasive Design for eHealth: Enhancing Internet- and Mobile-Based Interventions
The rising prevalence of mental and behavioral disorders in recent years has significantly strained existing healthcare resources. This strain has manifested in extended waiting periods, resulting in a notable treatment gap where individuals often fail to receive timely and adequate support. The global disparity in resource allocation exacerbates these challenges, with more severe consequences observed in underserved regions. In response, recent innovations in digital technology have prompted researchers to explore new methods to bridge this treatment gap. Notably, the introduction of internet- and mobile-based interventions (IMIs) delivered through eHealth platforms has marked a significant development. These interventions are being proven effective in managing various mental and behavioral disorders, and they are cost-efficient. However, the expansion of IMIs encounters significant hurdles, primarily due to issues of low user adherence and engagement, which diminish their overall effectiveness.
This work presents persuasive design strategies for optimizing eHealth platforms to improve user adherence and engagement. Utilizing a comprehensive methodological framework, the research begins with a requirement analysis and a scoping review to identify essential features, user needs, and existing development methodologies. Based on these insights, randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were implemented to assess changes in user adherence and engagement. Advanced usability analyses were then performed using measurement technologies such as eye tracking to deeply investigate usability issues. The resulting data were further analyzed and interpreted through the application of machine learning techniques, providing a robust approach to enhancing eHealth platform design and functionality.
Overall, the developed optimization strategies aim to improve user adherence and engagement in eHealth platforms, thereby enhancing their overall effectiveness.