Novel augmented reality solution for improving health literacy around antihypertensives in people living with type 2 diabetes mellitus: protocol of a technology evaluation study

Abstract

IntroductionLow health literacy is common in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) (up to 40%), associated with decreased self-efficacy in managing T2DM and its important complications, mainly hypertension. This study introduces, for the first time, an easy-to-use solution based on augmented reality (AR) on smartphones, to enhance health literacy around antihypertensive medicines. It assesses the feasibility of the solution for improving health literacy, oriented specifically to angiotensin II receptor blockers; embedding the health literacy improvement into the use cycle of angiotensin II receptor blockers and providing continuous access to information as a form of patient engagement.Methods and analysisThis is a technology evaluation study with one technology group (AR plus usual care) and one non-technology group (usual care). Both groups receive face-to-face communications with community pharmacists regarding angiotensin II receptor blockers; the technology group receive additional AR-enhanced digital consumer medicine information throughout the use of their medications. The primary outcome is the change in health literacy and the hypothesis is that the proportions of people who show high health literacy will be larger in the technology group. Mixed effects models will be used to analyse solution effectiveness on outcomes. Multiple regression models will be used to find additional variables that might affect the relationship between health literacy and the AR solution.Ethics and disseminationQueensland University of Technology (QUT) Human Research Ethics Committee has approved the study as a low-risk technology evaluation study (approval number: 1700000275). Findings will be disseminated via attending scientific conferences and publishing in peer-reviewed journals. Facilitated by QUT, two press releases have been published in public media and two presentations have been made in university classrooms.

Augmented Reality: A New Learning Experience among Health Care Professionals

“…16 The participants of the present study also reported AR to be captivating and entertaining with a good impact on learning and brand recall and an overall positive experience in learning about hypertension. Previously, the literature has reported the utilization of digital technology and AR for enhancing disease-related education and nonpharmacological self-management strategies in hypertensive patients, 17,18 however, the authors could not find literature enhancing HCPs knowledge about hypertension using digital technology, AR, or VR.…”

Health Literacy: Definition, Types, and Strategies to Improve

“…Digital health literacy is also used as a method of improving health literacy. One example is the use of Augmented Reality (AR) to improve health literacy about the use of antihypertensive medications in people with type-2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) (Ahmadvand et al, 2018).…”

Health Literacy and eHealth: Challenges and Strategies

“…Augmented reality is a 3D interactive form view of an actual physical environment that has been enhanced by adding digital information. 68 There are some ongoing studies 69,70 on using these technologies and evaluating their effectiveness in promoting HL. A successful example of using this technology was shown in a study by Jimenez et al, 71 where the virtual reality before radiotherapy for patients with breast cancer improved their understanding of the treatment.…”