HER provides junior and/or new investigators with funds to establish their programs of research in self-management interventions that are transdisciplinary in approach. Learn more about the Pilot Study Program and list of ongoing pilot studies.
Pilot Study: Kavita Radhakrishnan, PhD, RN (PI)
Interactive Digital E-Health Game for Heart Failure Self-management (Sept. 2014 – Jan. 2016)
Dr. Radhakrishnan is a nurse scientist with a background in electrical engineering and public health nursing. She is collaborating with the Department of Computer Science to develop an interactive digital e-health game (IDEG) prototype to improve self-management knowledge and behaviors among individuals living with heart failure (HF). The IDEG uses a mobile and portable platform that adapts to the knowledge level of individuals with HF and is tailored to their self-management goals. Based on community nurse feedback, they decided to use a casino game genre with slot machines. Usability testing of the digital game was conducted with 8 participants, and revisions were made, based on their suggestions. Beta testing is currently underway among 25 older adult participants with heart failure from 4 Austin-based community clinics. Data collection will be completed in December 2015.
During usability testing, with 7 participants, 100% found the game easy to play, 100% found it enjoyable, and 86% found it helpful for learning about HF. In the subsequent functionality testing, with 19 participants, 89% found the game interesting, enjoyable, and easy to play. Playing the game resulted in a significant improvement in HF knowledge (p = 0.007), a non-significant improvement in HF self-maintenance (p = 0.11), and no difference in HF self-confidence scores. Participants with lower education level and age preferred games to any other medium for receiving information (p = 0.02).
Related Article:
Casino Style Game Helps Patients with Heart Failure
Pilot Study: Gayle Timmerman, PhD, RN, FAAN (PI)
Self-Management of Dietary Intake for Chronic Kidney Disease. (Sept. 2014 – Jan. 2016)
Dr. Timmerman’s pilot study n=19), designed to help people with mild to moderate chronic kidney disease (CKD) to better manage their dietary recommendations using self-management and mindful eating,was a six-week, small group intervention. From pre-test to post-test, the sample had statistically significant: 1) weight loss and reduced body mass index; and 2) improved carotenoid levels (proxy for fruit and vegetable intake), health literacy, self-efficacy, and quality of life. The team is currently working to disseminate findings and submit a follow-up grant to NIH.