Sophus Powers Lifestyle Intervention Trial for Patients with Complex Chronic Disease
Project Overview
Sophus has partnered with researchers at Princess Alexandra Hospital in Brisbane on an innovative study called U-Decide. This randomized controlled trial is evaluating the feasibility and effectiveness of a technology-assisted lifestyle intervention for patients with kidney and liver disease who have features of metabolic syndrome.
Metabolic syndrome - a cluster of conditions like obesity, high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and abnormal cholesterol levels - is common in people with complex chronic diseases. It substantially increases risks of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Lifestyle changes focused on healthy eating and physical activity are the cornerstone of treating metabolic syndrome. However, delivering effective diet and exercise interventions to patients with multimorbidity is challenging in traditional tertiary care models.
That's where Sophus comes in. For the U-Decide trial, the research team leveraged Sophus' suite of digital health technologies to create a patient-centered telehealth program. All participants receive a Fitbit activity tracker, individualized nutrition assessment by a dietitian, and standard medical care. Those randomized to the intervention arm gain access to additional tools through the Sophus platform:
Personalized text messages promoting healthy lifestyle behaviors
Online nutrition education content including fact sheets, videos, meal planning tools and recipes
Group dietitian appointments via secure video conferencing
Prescribed home exercise programs with resistance bands provided
Group exercise sessions with an exercise physiologist via video
Importantly, participants can choose which digital health components to engage with based on their individual preferences and needs. This innovative approach empowers patients to actively shape their care experience.
As the study's lead researcher Dr. Ingrid Hickman notes, "Using Sophus' technology, we'll be able to analyze data around engagement and consumer preference to help shape the way we deliver supportive care to our chronic disease patients into the future."
By collaborating with Sophus, the U-Decide study team gains access to proven digital health solutions and valuable expertise in optimizing user experiences. Robust data on participant interactions with the program will allow the researchers to refine the intervention and generate actionable insights for integrating technology into chronic disease management.
U-Decide exemplifies how Sophus' configurable platform can be adapted to the unique needs of different patient populations and research protocols. The modular design streamlines the creation of customized digital interventions that blend seamlessly into clinical workflows.
This partnership between Sophus and tertiary care innovators showcases the power of combining cutting-edge technology with rigorous research methodology. The findings will inform the development of technology-enabled models of care to support people living with complex conditions in achieving their health goals. Stay tuned for the results of this groundbreaking trial.
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