Healthcare

Internet Support Groups

People facing serious health threats increasingly use the Internet to obtain information and support. Internet support groups (ISGs), online communities where people come together to exchange information and/or support, are an important resource for patients grappling with serious medical conditions. Participation in health-related ISGs has been associated with significant reductions in participant-reported depression, anxiety and other indicators of psychological distress.

Detecting Depression

This project addresses depression, a mood disorder that impacts millions of American's each year and is one of the leading causes of disability. Depression can be hard to diagnois. It can also be difficult to tell if people respond favorably to treatment.

Decision Support System for VAD

Heart implant clinic diagram.

This project is developing a decisions support tool that mines medical histories and makes a recommendation on when a person suffering from stage 3 or 4 heart failure should consider having a VAD (ventricular assist device) implanted. We are developing interfaces for medical teams and for patients. The work advances the practice of outcomes based medicine.

Pediluma

Pediluma is a shoe accessory designed to encourage opportunistic physical activity. It features a light that brightens the more the wearer walks and slowly dims when the wearer remains stationary. This interaction was purposely simple so as to remain lightweight, both visually and cognitively. Even simple, personal pedometers have been shown to promote walking. Pediluma takes this a step further, attempting to engage people around the wearer to elicit social effects.

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