Ambient intelligence for long-term diabetes care (AmILCare). Qualitative analysis of patients' expectations and attitudes toward interactive technology

Purpose The Amilcare (Ambient Intelligence for Long-term diabetes Care) project aims at developing Ambient Intelligence solutions to improve lifestyles and therapeutic adherence in people with non insulin treated type 2 diabetes. We aimed at probing the meaning attributed to technology for self-care by people with diabetes and their willingness to participate in designing Ambient Intelligence solutions. Methods After describing the project, 34 people with non insulin-treated type 2 diabetes were asked for their informed consent and administered a 50-minute structured interview. Socio-demographic and clinical-metabolic variables were collected and a quality of life questionnaire specific for type 2 diabetes and one for self-esteem were also administered. Results The people interviewed showed interest in the Ambient Intelligence project and technology had a positive connotation to them. They wish to participate in designing non-intrusive and easy-to-use Ambient Intelligence solutions. At home, persons with diabetes prefer to control blood pressure and seek dialogue with their doctor. Those aiming to monitor their health and wishing to share information with their family showed a trend to better quality of life scores for complications. Glycated hemoglobin was lower, though not significantly so, among patients interested in the construction of new devices,. Conclusions This study helps identify the lines along which people with non-insulin treated type 2 diabetes can be involved in co-designing Ambient Intelligence solutions.