Could persuasive technology be used to increase physical activity in people with COPD? Opinions of the target population and other stakeholders

Background: People with COPD need to increase their level of physical activity in order to successfully self-manage their condition. Both initial change and maintenance of physical activity is challenging for this population. This research aimed to investigate whether persuasive technology (technology that aims to change the user’s attitudes/ behaviours) might provide an acceptable approach to promoting physical activity in this population.Methods: Behaviour change techniques, persuasive technology techniques and features found in physical activity ‘apps’ were used to develop three scenarios: (i) a ‘virtual coaching’ system (ii) an activity recording system, and (iii) a community website system. 22 interviews were conducted with people with COPD, their carers (where present) and COPD related health care professionals (HCPs) in order to gauge their attitudes/ and preferences regarding the scenarios. Data were analysed using a framework approach. Findings: The ‘virtual coach’ was the most popular system. Themes included the role technology could play: HCPs were enthusiastic about the potential of technology to motivate. This role was acknowledged by others, but many preferred technology to act as a facilitator. All participants felt goals and clear feedback were important, and that the simplicity of the system and users’ prior experience of technology would be key to its success. Discussion: These findings indicate that persuasive technology may be an acceptable approach to increasing physical activity in this population. Persuasive technology techniques, tailored to the individual, could provide both initial motivation and ongoing facilitation of behaviour change in this population, and should be considered when designing behavioural interventions.