A Virtual Self-care Coach for Individuals with Spinal Cord Injury

Most persons with spinal cord injury (SCI) require training and support for self-care management to help prevent the development of serious secondary conditions after hospital discharge. We have designed a virtual coach system, in which an animated character engages users in simulated face-to-face conversation to provide health education and motivate healthy behavior. We conducted an exploratory study with nine participants who have SCI to examine the acceptance and attitudes towards our system. Results of the study show that participants are highly receptive of the virtual coach technology and recognize it as an effective medium to promote self-care.