System, method, and device for providing health information

• US 20080004901A1
• Filed: 06/30/2006
• Published: 01/03/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 06/30/2006
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Healthy Interactions, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Healthy Interactions, Inc.
• Inventors: Leong-Fern, Andrew, Lasiuk, Paul, Gorman, Peter
• Application Number:
  US11/478,995
• Publication Number:
  US 20080004901A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 705/2
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/10 Office automation; Time management
• CPC Class Codes: G09B 5/00 Electrically-operated educational appliances working with questions and answers G09B7/00; simulators G09B9/00; advertising or displaying in general G09F
• CPC Class Codes: G09B 7/00 Electrically-operated teaching apparatus or devices working with questions and answers mechanically operated G09B3/00; computing arrangements G06F
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 10/20 for electronic clinical trials or questionnaires
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 20/10 relating to drugs or medications, e.g. for ensuring correct administration to patients

Abstract

A method, system and device is disclosed for encouraging behavioral change in users. The method and system may utilize a tool which presents information and topics related to a health condition and illustrates the affects of behavior choices on the maintenance or progression of the health condition. When used with a facilitator, conversation questions, and exercises, the user may explore a health condition, learn what to expect as the condition progresses, and learn how to manage the condition such as mentally and physically.

Claims

1. A method for delivering health information about type 2 diabetes to a user wherein a facilitator elicits conversation from a user, the method comprising:

providing a map;

introducing users to topics related to a health condition represented on the map as a series of hiking related scenes; and

eliciting discussion on the type 2 diabetes related health topics represented on the map by asking questions and using exercises.

2. The method of claim 1 further comprising creating an action plan based on the experience in which the user identifies health related goals.

3. The method of claim 1 further comprising a plurality of cards containing images or text relating to type 2 diabetes.

4. The method of claim 3 wherein a plurality of the cards contain statements or images imparting information pertaining to types of diabetes medications.

5. The method of claim 3 wherein a plurality of the cards contain statements which impart information pertaining to screening for complications.

6. The method of claim 3 wherein a plurality of cards are blank to allow a user to include their own statements relating to health goals, measures of success, challenges, and support network.

7. The method of claim 1 further comprising a first exercise comprising matching diabetes medications with their mode of action.

8. The method of claim 1 further comprising an exercise comprising drawing a representation of the user'"'"'s typical serving from food groups including protein, starch and vegetable.

9. A method of encouraging behavioral change in patients comprising:

a map which presents type 2 diabetes health information and topics and illustrates the affects of behavioral choices on the health of the user;

wherein, when used with a facilitator, conversation questions, and peripheral exercises, the user explores type 2 diabetes information, learns what to expect as type 2 diabetes progresses, and learns how to manage type 2 diabetes both mentally and physically.

10. The method of claim 9 further comprising a plurality of cards with representations related to type 2 diabetes.

11. The method of claim 10 wherein a plurality of the cards comprise statements which provide conversation topics.

12. The method of claim 10 wherein a plurality of the cards comprise statements which impart information pertaining to types of diabetes medications.

13. The method of claim 10 wherein a plurality of the cards comprise statements which impart information pertaining to screening for complications.

14. The method of claim 10 wherein a plurality of cards are blank to allow users to include their own statements relating to health goals, measures of success, challenges, and support network.

15. The method of claim 9 wherein an exercise comprises matching diabetes medications with their mode of action.

16. The method of claim 9 wherein an exercise comprises drawing a representation of the user'"'"'s typical serving from food groups including protein, starch and vegetable.

17. A system for delivering type 2 diabetes related health information to users, wherein a facilitator elicits conversation from the users, the system comprising:

a map representing type 2 diabetes health related topics;

a facilitator to guide users through the type 2 diabetes health related topics represented on the map; and

exercises.

18. The system of claim 17 further comprising an action plan.

19. The system of claim 17 wherein the conversation is guided by conversation questions.

20. The system of claim 17 wherein the map comprises a metaphor of a hiking path scene through which the users explore topics related to type 2 diabetes.

21. An experiential learning tool for guiding users through information related to type 2 diabetes in a map format, the device comprising:

a map having a start area, an end area, and a plurality of locations between defining a conversation path represented by a trail; and

wherein the locations are representations of various issues related to type 2 diabetes.

22. The tool according to claim 21 wherein the issues represented as locations on the map further comprise:

the natural progression of type 2 diabetes;

definition and use of A1C in diabetes management;

medications for controlling blood glucose and diabetes;

managing diabetes with nutrition and exercise;

possible consequences of not managing diabetes; and

means for improving diabetes management.

23. The tool according to claim 22 wherein the representation of the natural progression of type 2 diabetes comprises:

a pictorial representation of individuals exploring writings on a cliff;

the writings relating to signs and symptoms of poor diabetes maintenance; and

the signs and symptoms resulting from high or low blood glucose.

24. The tool according to claim 22 wherein the pictorial representation of diabetes testing comprises:

a representation of a cabin; and

writings on the cabin relating to the timing and reasons for testing blood glucose.

25. The tool according to claim 22, wherein the pictorial representation of glucose testing further comprises target blood glucose levels.

26. The tool according to claim 22 wherein the pictorial representation describing A1C comprises:

a rock; and

inscribed on the rock, the definition of A1C.

27. The tool according to claim 22 wherein the pictorial representation describing A1C further comprises:

A1C target range information situated on the trail; and

a chart illustrating why A1C testing should be combined with daily blood glucose monitoring by illustrating different possible daily blood glucose results at one particular A1C reading.

28. The device according to claim 22 wherein the representation of the various medications used for controlling blood glucose and diabetes comprising trail side signs for each of a plurality of diabetes medications, the signs comprising:

pictorial representations of medications; and

description of the drugs'"'"' physiological activity.

29. The experiential learning tool according to claim 22 wherein the pictorial representation of managing diabetes with nutrition and exercise may be represented by a camp-site scene, the scene comprising:

sleeping tents illustrating foods which raise blood glucose due to carbohydrate content;

sleeping tents illustrating foods which contain no carbohydrate content;

a tree stump illustrating suggested balanced food portions; and

rocks surrounding the tree stump graphically illustrating portion measurement.

30. The experiential learning tool according to claim 29, wherein the representation of managing diabetes with nutrition and exercise, further comprising:

an individual fishing; and

text suggesting heart healthy food choices.

31. The experiential learning tool according to claim 22, wherein the representation of managing diabetes with nutrition and exercise, further comprising a plurality of examples comprising:

exemplary carbohydrate content of meals; and

suggested carbohydrate contents of meals.

32. The experiential learning tool according to claim 22, wherein the representation of managing diabetes with exercise further comprises a plurality of pictorial representations of individuals engaged in healthy activities.

33. The experiential learning tool according to claim 22, wherein the representation of managing diabetes with exercise further comprises a plurality of suggestions relating to duration and frequency of healthy activities.

34. The experiential learning tool according to claim 22, wherein the representation of consequences of not managing diabetes comprises a trail spiraling downward marked by warnings and further comprising text listing a plurality of organs which may be affected by poor diabetes management.

35. The experiential learning tool according to claim 22, wherein the representation of the means for improving diabetes management comprises a plurality of representations of suggestions for maintenance comprising:

identifying and engaging the user'"'"'s support network; and

identifying and articulating goals.

36. The experiential learning tool according to claim 35, wherein the pictorial representation of the means for improving diabetes management further comprises a plurality of representations of suggestions for maintenance wherein the pictorial illustrating identifying and engaging the user'"'"'s support network comprises individuals with binoculars on a watch tower.

37. The experiential learning tool according to claim 36, wherein the representation of the means for improving diabetes management further comprises references to diabetes resources, such as websites.