Developing a mechanism to deploy digital tools aimed at lifestyle modification in primary care

Start Date

2 November 2019

End Date

14 July 2022

Project Participants

University of Notre Dame, Werribee Hospital Foundation

Status: Completed

Tags: behaviour change, community health, consumer engagement, health apps, health literacy, lifestyle modification, obesity and overweight, personalised care, preventive health, primary care, self management, weight management

Opportunity 

Obesity and overweight are major contributors to chronic disease, yet many attempts at weight management are unsuccessful. Digital tools have shown promise in motivating lifestyle change, but there has been limited evidence on how these tools can be deployed safely and effectively in real-world healthcare settings.  

This project investigated the uptake and effectiveness of existing digital tools aimed at supporting lifestyle modification for weight management in people interested in improving their health. 

Project Objectives  

The project aimed to: 

  • Explore whether digital tools can enable lifestyle modification in people who are overweight or obese. 
  • Evaluate participants’ engagement with two digital weight-management technologies, the Hunger app© (a food diary app) and the FutureMe app©.  
  • Better understand the relationship between health literacy, readiness for change, and successful weight management behaviours. 

Despite significant disruption from the COVID-19 pandemic, the project successfully recruited participants to the study, which used the FutureMe app© to provide personalised weight-management support including progress tracking and tailored diet and exercise goals.  

Findings demonstrated that personalised digital avatars can help motivate participants to take action toward weight management, particularly when they are already considering behaviour change. The research also highlighted the importance of supporting users with practical resources and clinical guidance alongside digital interventions. 

The project provides evidence for the design and implementation of digital health interventions focused on behaviour change. Results suggest digital tools are more effective when embedded within supported care models such as weight management clinics, primary care services, and allied health programs. The work advances understanding of how digital health technologies can support preventative health, consumer engagement, and personalised care. 

Integrity, Excellence,
Teamwork and Authenticity

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