E-coaching as a persuasive support in self-management programs for health

Abstract

In this paper, we discuss the characteristics of a smartphone system that behaves as an automated e-coach that supports behavior change. To mimic the behavior of a human coach and to build a relationship with the end-user, the system offers a conversational experience and behaves as an active virtual coach that discusses various aspects with the coachee about the therapy. For that, the system provides two types of integrated interfaces that we call the ‘Talk-and-Tools’ paradigm. Talk provides the functionality for the conversational experience, while various Tool-interfaces form a coherent structure of input and output facilities that enable the user to get access to and manipulate relevant information. Currently, the system supports cognitive behavior therapy for insomnia, but its generic design targets at a broad range of application domains. Various types of tests and user evaluations were performed, ranging from expert analysis to a randomized controlled trial with insomnia patients.