Study level

  • PhD

Faculty/School

Faculty of Creative Industries, Education and Social Justice

Topic status

We're looking for students to study this topic.

Research centre

Design Lab

Supervisors

Professor Marianella Chamorro-Koc
Position
Professor
Division / Faculty
Faculty of CI, Education & Social Justice
Professor Evonne Miller
Position
Professor
Division / Faculty
Faculty of CI, Education & Social Justice
Dr Levi Swann
Position
Senior Lecturer in Industrial Design
Division / Faculty
Faculty of CI, Education & Social Justice

Overview

People with chronic illnesses face numerous challenges when it comes to caring for their health at home. The daily management of symptoms, medication adherence, and self-care routines can be physically and mentally demanding, requiring significant effort and discipline. Additionally, limited access to direct medical supervision, medical equipment, resources, and support may lead to difficulties in monitoring symptoms and seeking timely medical attention, further adding to the burden of self-care.

From a human-centered design perspective, technology enhances the home healthcare experience through user-friendly mobile apps, wearables for monitoring vital signs, medication reminders, personalized health tracking, telehealth platforms and online support communities. While this technology can enhance health management at home, it is crucial to question its widespread use as relying too heavily on it may undermine the importance of human connection and personalized care, potentially leading to a lack of empathy and understanding in the healthcare experience.

Research activities

The purpose of this research is to explore how do people who are ageing or have chronic illnesses experience caring for their health at home, and how might technology enhance those experiences? This type of project calls for a mixed-method approach of design methodologies, underpinned by self-efficacy theory and a socio-technical perspective to research.

Outcomes

The objectives of this research are:

  • to understand home healthcare needs and preferences of people with chronic illnesses
  • to identify how technology can streamline and personalize the home healthcare experience
  • to understand how technology might empower individuals to lead healthier lives.

Skills and experience

You do not need a background in design to apply to this research.

Scholarships

You may be eligible to apply for a research scholarship.

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Keywords

Contact

Contact Prof Marianella Chamorro-Koc for more information: m.chamorro@qut.edu.au