Designing for Health: Understanding User Attitudes and Technological Adoption in Hypertension Self-Monitoring
ABSTRACT
Hypertension is a leading cardiovascular risk factor, globally. Self-Monitoring Blood Pressure (SMBP) has proven effective in managing hypertension, especially when combined with interventions like health education. However, SMBP practices are inconsistently adopted due to unclear guidelines and an overwhelmed healthcare system. This project explores hypertensive patients’ attitudes toward SMBP and their experiences with Blood Pressure (BP) technologies, as well as identifies design opportunities to improve SMBP adoption. It also explores the acceptance of emerging cuffless devices and Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered tools to enhance self-monitoring practices. A mixed-method approach was employed, including a survey, autoethnography, and participatory design workshops. Findings revealed that while patients recognised the importance of regular SMBP, its practice was inconsistent. Traditional BP cuff monitors pose challenges like burdensome preparation and anxiety while emerging cuffless technologies show promise for seamless integration into daily lives. User needs identified included reducing user involvement in measuring BP and receiving tailored advice. Cuffless devices and personalised feedback delivered by AI tools were perceived as useful for enhancing SMBP practices, potentially increasing the likelihood of long-term engagement. In contrast, there were mixed reactions to forecasted BP values to inform behaviour, likely due to unfamiliarity and disbelief. This research contributes to Human-Computer Interaction by offering insights for human-centred design strategies to improve SMBP technology adoption, ultimately empowering patients to better manage their hypertension.