In this project, we conducted a series of ethnographically-based studies to understand how people with spinal cord injury/disease and their caregivers could fruitfully use pervasive environments including sensors. We are in the midst of designing and constructing a system, Data Checkers, that allows patients to control for themselves the release of data to other caregivers and care team members.

Collaborators and staff

• Mark W. Newman
• Michelle Meade
• Ayse Bukyuktur

Staff and students

Keywords: health translations, health informatics, medical information

In our study of people with diabetes, high blood pressure, and kidney disease in Flint, Michigan, we found people actively trying to manage their health in the face of poverty, potentially violent conditions, high stress, and a distrust of institutionalized medicine. More specifically, we observed people translating the health information they're handed into the context of their everyday lives - creating local strategies for chronic illness management.