The Value of eCoaching in the COVID-19 Pandemic to Promote Adherence to Self-isolation and Quarantine

Abstract

A Digital electronic Coach (eCoach) app was built and evaluated during the Covid-19 pandemic in The Netherlands. Its aim was to provide support for AQ1 individuals that had to either quarantine or self-isolate after a positive corona test or an indication of a heightened risk of infection. The coach ("IsolationCoach"), AQ2 its value and uses were evaluated in 29 semi-structured interviews with individuals who had quarantined or isolated themselves or were part of the general Dutch public. Three main findings emerge. First, participants found value in a digital coach that would help them comply with quarantine or isolation instructions and provided information on the practical challenges of organizing their quarantine or isolation. Second, the usage of the app, which gradually and conditionally provides relevant information as opposed to conventional paper pamphlets/email, was greatly appreciated. Third, participants experienced a need for mental support during their period of isolation or quarantine, and this could at least partially be filled by the eCoach, which provided emotional support through a Socratic method styled form of self-reflection. It was beneficial that the app was implemented rapidly within weeks using a ready-to-use platform and that its content was assessed by experts from various health-related disciplines prior to rollout. Yet, for large-scale implementation, an integrated vision and digital strategy is needed to align forms of support by the health authorities.

The Dutch COVID-19 Notification App: Lessons Learned From a Mixed Methods Evaluation Among End Users and Contact-Tracing Employees

“…Users expected and indicated that they desired more of the app. A study by Blasimme et al [ 16 ] shows that adding new features may “be seen as one way to deliver more personal utility to app users, thus incentivizing participation.” Instead of adding features, the reopening of society was, for example, facilitated by a separate app “CoronaCheck,” and the needs around the psychological aspects of isolation were not met at all [ 17 ]. Thus, the opportunity to enhance the CM app was missed, which the German “CoronaWarn,” for example, used.…”

“…Lack of leadership and fragmentation in governance (between the Dutch Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport, MHS, and local government) caused distrust in the COVID-19 measurements. Besides, there was no attention by the Dutch Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport in press conferences to the added value of the CM app, for example, to use the app as an instrument that facilitates reopening society when people increasingly come into contact with others (van’t Klooster et al [ 17 ]).…”

Challenges and opportunities in mobile e-coaching

“…In the study by Van ‘t Klooster ( 19 ), a digital self-isolation electronic coach (e-Coach) app was built and evaluated during the COVID-19 pandemic. Its aim was to support individuals who had to either quarantine or self-isolate after a positive coronavirus test.…”

“…The e-Coach, named IsolationCoach, gradually and conditionally provides relevant information (as opposed to conventional paper pamphlets/emails). Through a holistic patient view ( 19 ) and Socratic method ( 20 ) styled form of self-reflection, it provided emotional support to its users.…”

“…Specifically, custom question types and mobile questionnaires are used in van der Zeeuw’s study ( 11 ). Kip et al ( 22 ) demonstrated the usage of TIIM for rapid prototyping in the mental health domain. The inclusion of vital sign monitoring and persuasive coaching is done in the study by Lentferink ( 17 ).…”