Despite the pivotal role of family support for type 2 diabetes (T2DM) management, research on family-based intervention that leverages AI-enabled mobile apps is limited. This study aims to explore perceptions of T2DM patients and family members on the acceptability of a FAMILY module in the EMPOWER mobile app and their feedback on specific FAMILY module features to inform future EMPOWER-FAMILY intervention.
We conducted semi-structured interviews with 25 T2DM patients and 25 family members. All interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. The transcripts were analyzed using NVivo.
The FAMILY module was seen as an opportunity to cultivate shared decision making by both patients and family members. However, concerns evolved around increased family burden and diminished sense of patient autonomy, leading to potential patient-family conflicts. Leveraging on AI technology, the FAMILY module sends tailored nudges to a family member based on patient’s lifestyle behaviors. While participants acknowledged its benefits, some expressed a desire for greater customization in both frequency and content. Participants appreciated user-friendly meal logging using AI-powered food detection. Nevertheless, app feedback on dietary choices and healthier alternatives is desired, which is particularly relevant for family members involved in preparing patients’ meals. The inclusion of patient-family collaborative goal setting and achievement tracking features via wearable devices was viewed as beneficial, fostering motivation and dedicated family time. Other proposed enhancements include a platform for sharing experiences and incorporate telemedicine functionality.
Both patients and family members indicated their willingness to engage in the FAMILY module. The feedback collected from the study will be used to inform the development of the EMPOWER-FAMILY module and future intervention.
R. Lau: None. H. Liu: None. J. Phang: None. Y. Kwan: None. L. Low: None. S. Yoon: None.
Ministry of Education Tier 1 grant (2022-MOET1-0005)
