A master thesis from Aalborg University
A Qualitative Study of Self-Tracking in Healthcare: How self-tacking technology mediates experiences and knowledge with heart patients
[A Qualitative Study of Self-Tracking in Healthcare: Hvordan selvmonitorering teknologi medierer oplevelser og viden hos hjertepatienter.]
Author(s)
Term
4. term
Education
Publication year
2018
Submitted on
2018-06-01
Pages
60 pages
Abstract
Background: Mobile and wearable technologies allow for new ways of systematic tracking of specific characteristics of the self and everyday life. In healthcare, mHealth technologies are being used to remotely track and monitor patients and play active roles in the everyday life of these patients. This thesis revolves around self-tracking technology and how it mediates experiences and understandings with focus on illness perception and behavioural changes in everyday life of ICD patients. Methods: This investigation was carried out from February to the end of May 2018 at Rehfeld Medical, who through their collaboration with the Heart Centre at Rigshospitalet. The study builds on the qualitative method of semi-structured interviews and the approach of Action Research. I conducted 9 interviews with 3 ICD patients during three sessions; 1. On boarding and introduction, the second interview after 2 weeks and the third after approximately 2 months of wearing the Fitbit. The purpose of the interviews was to gather insights from the patients’ experiences with the technology. Results: Based on the empirical material I identified several insights where the Fitbit mediates experiences individually both also correspondingly among the participating patients. I outline x recommendations which should be considered when introducing self-tracking to ICD patients. Conclusion: I conclude how these insights create certain dilemmas and connections based on experience and interaction with the Fitbit. The cross roads of the patients’ relations towards data, data sharing and data trust intersect in various situations and form a foundation for future use of the technology. Keywords: mHealth, eHealth, telemedicine, Fitbit, self-tracking, healthcare, mediation of technology, human-technology relations, qualitative methods, ICD, cardiac heart disease, remote monitoring.
Keywords
Documents
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