Interactive Virtual Assistance for Self-Care Management and Mental Health Promotion in Type 2 Diabetes

Pontificia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul112 enrolled

Overview

BACKGROUD: Health technology is an important tool in the aging process, which may improve the health condition and self-esteem of the elderly, in addition to offering new opportunities and challenges. In this scenario, the use of virtual interaction systems emerge as promising alternatives for the old adults, which often deals with the lack of social interaction, cognitive decline and decline in functional capacity, making the control of chronic diseases, such as diabetes, a challenge. OBJECTIVES: This project aims to evaluate the effectiveness of using an interactive virtual assistance system in mental health parameters, glycemic profile and diabetes selfcare behavior in elderly people with diabetes. METHODS: A randomized clinical trial is proposed, for an intervention that includes 3 months of use of the Smart Speaker Echo Dot system, programmed to provide reminders, stimulate treatment records and maintain healthy habits. Outcomes assessed will include parameters of mental health and diabetes control.

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

SUPPORTIVE_CARE

Masking

SINGLE

Enrollment

112

Conditions

Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 Depression, Anxiety Mental Health Disorder

Interventions

Smart Speaker Echo DotDEVICE

Participants will receive the Smart Speaker EchoDot 3rd Gen (Amazon Echo®) device (i.e., Alexa) for home use, installed during a home visit following the study enrollment. In addition to the usual functionality of the system, the device will be programmed using a standard model developed by the research team, applied to each patient. The proposed model involves automatic interactions between the device and the patient, comprising: 1. Medication reminders 2. Glucose test reminders: 3. Educational health tips 4. Weekly educational podcasts 5. Good morning and good night routine

Usual CareOTHER

Participants will maintain usual care during the study period and will receive a booklet with general advice following enrollment

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 65 YearsHealthy volunteers:

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion: * Being 65 years of age or older; * Having a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes; * Residing in Porto Alegre or metropolitan region; * Presenting availability of Wi-Fi connection at home; and * Presenting availability to participate in the proposed face-to-face evaluation and accept receiving one visit for installation of the device. Exclusion: * Having an interactive virtual home assistance device at the time of enrollment; * Having cognitive impairments or severe hearing impairments that prevent adequate interaction with outcome assessors and the application of follow-up questionnaires; or * Residing in regions of difficult access. Recruitment: Study subjects will be recruited through two different strategies: * Screening of records of the outpatients clinics of Hospital São Lucas (HSL) * Social media advertising, specially in Instagram®

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Screening for depression, anxiety and common mental health disorders in elderly

For mental health screening, the Self Report Questionnaire (SRQ 20) will be used, translated into Portuguese and validated for the Brazilian population. It is a questionnaire with 20 questions specially developed for the screening of depression, anxiety em common mental health disorders in the elderly. Higher scores indicating more mental distress.