The ACTIVATION research initiative (funded) led by Alexandra Hospital and supported by National University Polyclinics aims to engage 1,700 participants to explore the effectiveness of digital health interventions, including the role of digital health coaches in promoting healthier lifestyle choices and managing chronic conditions. The research initiative seeks to demonstrate that combining wearable technology with personalised coaching can lead to sustained behavioural changes and improved health outcomes with less physical touchpoints.
It targets individuals aged 21 to 75 who are at risk of developing hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidaemia and obesity. This initiative in alignment with the broader "Healthier SG" strategy, a national strategy by the Ministry of Health (MOH) focusing on preventive health, and is implemented with support from the MOH Health Innovation (MHI) Fund. Healthier SG aims to empower Singaporeans to take steps towards better health, by encouraging them to enrol with a family doctor of choice, co-develop a personalised health plan with their doctor and get support to lead healthier lifestyles.
This initiative is a collaborative effort by the lead research team from Healthcare Redesign department of Alexandra Hospital. It is supported by National University Polyclinics (NUP).
The ACTIVATION initiative employs a mixed-methods research approach, including a randomised controlled trial (RCT) to evaluate the effectiveness of digital interventions, behavioural change assessments using the Transtheoretical model, data analysis from lifestyle tracking and qualitative interviews. Participants are divided into three groups, each receiving different levels of intervention:
a) a smartwatch only,
b) a smartwatch with access to a dedicated application to monitor their lifestyle choices and nudging system, and
c) a smartwatch with a dashboard, nudging system, and digital health coaching in the form of human digital health coaches, of which AH has since employed three such coaches, to guide participants using the ConnectedLife dashboard.
The research initiative seeks to find out the comparative efficacies of each group and level, with special emphasis on finding out if digital health coaches can play a multifaceted role, developing personalised lifestyle goals, providing digital interventions, and offering motivational support.
Some of the eligiblity criteria include:
1. 21 – 75 years old
2. Willing to wear a smart watch regularly for a year plus
3. Seeing a doctor for one or more of the following conditions:
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Elevated blood pressure
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Overweight (BMI 23-27.5 kg/m2)
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Obesity (BMI ≥ 27.4 kg/m2)
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Hypertension
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Hyperlipidemia
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Pre-diabetes / Diabetes
4. Mentally, physically and technologically capble
5. To participate in the research, volunteers must have medical records of any of the chronic conditions at AH or seven polyclinics under National University Polyclinics and participating General Practitioners of NUHS Primary Care Network. AH staff will follow up with you accordingly to conduct a thorough eligibility check and provide more information on how one can join this initiative via phone call to confirm your eligibility before you make a trip down to the clinic.
For more information and Call-for-Participation:
The initiative is now continuing to recruit more participants to reach its target. To confirm your eligibility to participate in the ACTIVATION research initiative, simply call or WhatsApp message the following numbers or scan the QR code below to get more information:
+65 9650 5306 (English)
+65 8878 6148 (Chinese)
Ask us about ACTIVATION today!
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The AH team is also at seven NUP polyclinics in the west for enquiries and referrals.
