MoCSSy Program: Graduate Student Seminar Series "Development of a Theoretical Framework for a Systems Approach to Behaviour Change" and "Using wireless sensor networks for simultaneous monitoring of environmental and bio-medical data"
15:00 - 16:00
Rm10940
Mr. Penny Deck, PhD Student, Department of Biomedical Physiology and Kinesiology, Simon Fraser University
Dr. Marcin Marzencki, CIBER Laboratory, Simon Fraser University
Abstract
"Development of a Theoretical Framework for a Systems Approach to Behaviour Change"
Traditional models of behaviour change impose a linear, deterministic approach on a complex and chaotic system. Failing to account for the complexity of behaviour change, such as interdependencies and feedback loops, limits the usefulness of interventions based on these theories. Based on a clear definition of feedback, we are developing a feedback classification to help develop strategies for enhancing existing feedback and creating new feedback loops that will benefit behaviour change interventions. In particular, we focused on two important dimensions identified from the literature: balancing loops versus reinforcing loops, and outcome feedback versus process feedback. This novel framework presented here may be useful in developing new tools to provide patient centered care that supports behaviour change and in analyzing the effectiveness of current interventions.
----------
"Using wireless sensor networks for simultaneous monitoring of environmental and bio-medical data"
Recent accelerated climate change, more frequent extreme weather conditions, and natural disasters have affected our health and lifestyles. This is especially true for seniors, more sensitive to extreme temperatures, humidity, and pollution. Current methods of evaluation and treatment of the resulting diseases are not oriented at correlating the cause with effect, but rather concentrates on managing the consequences. Furthermore, during abnormal environmental events, health services are overwhelmed with patients and may reduce their standard of care making the entire system inefficient. We propose to use wireless technologies to enable real time remote monitoring of cardiopulmonary signals and subject activity in correlation with local environmental conditions.
