Designing a wearable IoT-based bladder level monitoring system for neurogenic bladder patients

Abstract

ABSTRACT Over the last years, the use of Internet of Things (IoT) systems in healthcare has increased due to technological advancements and increased availability of data. Sensor-based monitoring of physiological parameters, in particular, promises rich opportunities to promote overall health and self-management of patients suffering from chronic diseases. As such, neurogenic bladder patients lack sensation and control over their bladder while they could regain sovereignty over their bladder management through monitoring their physiological parameters. In this paper, we aim to develop a wearable IoT-based bladder level monitoring system for managing neurogenic bladder dysfunctions. We develop a set of design principles taking a stance from behaviour theory and implement the design principles in a software architecture following a design science research approach. Further, we evaluate and revise the developed artefact and implement a prototype of the software architecture. Our research contributes to IS research through prescriptive knowledge for IoT-based bladder level monitoring systems that can be transferred and generalised to similar areas of application. Further, we contribute to behaviour theory as we theorise a new type of trigger that we call a hybrid trigger.