BACKGROUND

Digital technology is an increasingly important tool for health. The digital world enables accessing health information and health services and serves as a platform for tools to collect health data and support health behaviour change. Older people, however, largely remain digitally marginalized due to both physical barriers, such as poor eyesight, hearing and mobility, and social barriers, such as lower technological literacy. As health and society become increasingly reliant on technology, older people are at risk of being left further behind. Digital access is a cornerstone of the Healthy Ageing Unit’s vision of societies of the future. Without drastic improvements in digital access, further innovation risks exacerbating inequalities for older people.

Agatha is a digital healthy ageing coach that was designed by the China Academy of Information and Communication Technology (CAICT), a WHO Collaborating Center for digital health. The goal of this avatar is to promote health among older adults in an engaging and accessible manner. This interface is specifically designed to overcome some of the barriers faced by older people in using technology. Specifically, the interface enables voice recognition and is designed to be simple and intuitive. The existing prototype is a web-based application that can educate people on different health-related topics followed by quiz functions to evaluate understanding. In its final form, this virtual platform will be turned into an application, a web-based and a digital application (ex. Smartphone or H5 website), which can potentially be embedded in other smart devices or platforms, that also provides social features such as sharing and ranking embedded in the app. The Healthy Ageing Unit at WPRO seeks an APW to conduct beta-testing of the upgraded platform, and to conduct focus group discussions to advise on priority improvements for the Chinese context.

PURPOSE/SPECIFIC OBJECTIVE OF THE ACTIVITY

The Healthy Ageing unit seeks an organization/group/company to conduct an evaluation of Agatha, a digital healthy ageing coach for older people.

METHODS TO CARRY OUT THE ACTIVITY

Output 1 - Plan and execute beta-testing of the platform, including assessment of individual user experience with a minimum of 50 users (over the age of 65) as well as moderated focus group discussions with the goal of collecting feedback on user interface design acceptability, avatar interaction, features exploration and future expansion of both content and features.

Deliverable 1.1- Key documents for beta-testing implementation, including protocols and interview guides (By September 24).

Deliverable 1.2 – A mid-term report summarizing the results of the beta-testing and focus groups, including a list of actionable changes to implement to improve the platform (By October 15).

Deliverable 1.3 – A final report summarizing the results of all beta-testing and focus groups, including a list of actionable changes to implement to improve the platform (By October 15).

Deliverable 1.4 – Footage documenting user experience that can be used for both process documentation and as promotional material, including photographs and videos of users interacting with the platform (By October 31).

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

EDUCATION

Health sciences, digital health, academic background

EXPERIENCE

Experience in user testing and piloting of digital solutions.

Experience conducting research studies on older peoples’ health

TECHNICAL SKILLS & KNOWLEDGE

Advanced understanding of digital technology application in the health sector

LANGUAGES

Fluent in written and spoken English/Chinese (local dialect spoken at the chosen research site)

COMPETENCIES

Communicating in a credible and effective way

Producing results

Fostering integration and teamwork

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Duration of contract: September - November 2021

APPLICATIONS

Qualified and interested specialists should submit their Company profile {for institutional applications}, Expression of Interest {cover letter} and cost proposal to the Supply Officer through WP RO UNGM at < [email protected] > by 10 September 2021. 

The cover letter should outline how their experience and qualifications make them a suitable candidate for this position and should include their proposed fee and availability.

Please use Tender Notice No. 140700 as subject to all submission. Only successful candidates will be contacted.