Design of service delivery for a child obesity prevention and management program using technology convergence

Purpose: Health professionals and policy makers confront the failure of provider-administered, conventional behavioral interventions in the fight against obesity epidemic. The aim of this study was to develop a tailored, cost-effective delivery system for a child obesity prevention and management program through technology convergence using Web-enabled smart cellular phones. Methods: Assessment of service needs and development of a delivery system for the program were based on a comprehensive literature review and expert reviews, and results from in-depth interviews and a need-assessment survey. Results: The user- and site- centered service delivery system using Web-enabled cellular telephones as the hardware platform for obesity prevention and management has been developed. A tailored informational service and intervention will be provided interactively between stakeholders through the platform. The potential legal issues associated with the service design have also been considered. Conclusion: The user-centered convergence design and platform based on principles of Transtheoretical Model and Stages of Change using the Health Promoting School framework could enable effective intervention and promote acceptance in the long-run.

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