An Intelligent Coaching System for Therapy Adherence

A healthy lifestyle contributes to better health and helps diminish risks for chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular disease or diabetes. Moreover, people who have already developed a chronic illness often improve or minimize their symptoms by maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Although coaching apps that support people in attaining their healthy goals are plentiful, few are based on known theories of behavior change. Here, the authors introduce the Computerized Behavior Intervention model, which describes formal relations between determinants of behavior change based on psychological theories. The model is the core of the eMate intelligent support system, which tries to determine the reason why the user acts in conflict with his or her health goals. Using a mobile phone app and an online lifestyle diary, the system coaches the user with tailored information and persuasive motivational messages.