Nudging CHronic disease mANaGemEnt for empowering citizens: The CHANGE project

Objective: Chronic diseases (CDs) are major causes of deaths, disabilities and healthcare expenditure worldwide. Interventions aimed to prevent or mitigate the impact of CDs need to be added to the traditional healthcare methods. The main purpose of the CHANGE project is the development and validation of a new Nudge theory-based Information and Communications Technology (ICT) coach system for monitoring and empowering patients with CDs. Methods: A randomized controlled clinical trial involving 200 patients with CDs will be implemented. Online assessment of demographic, psychological, neuropsychological, and behavioral outcomes will be carried out through the users' device (smartwatches). A machine learning algorithm-based profile will elaborate specific nudge-based notifications, and suggestions will be returned to par- ticipants via the CHANGE App. Expected results: real-time monitoring and tutoring will prevent/ decelerate the worsening of clinical conditions and will improve the physical and psychosocial health of patients with CDs. Moreover, the provision of tailored care actions will contribute to a more sustainable healthcare system.