E-Nudging

The (E-)Nudging project is funded by the Swiss-based Gebert-Rüf Foundation, will last for two years (03/2014 – 02/2016) and aims at applying insights derived from behavioural economics to “nudge” people to adopt or persist with a healthy lifestyle. The increase in chronic diseases and co-morbidities is one of the most eminent challenges to our health systems. Risk factors such as high blood pressure, the excessive consumption of alcohol and tobacco, lack of exercise and obesity are to a large extent related to lifestyle and are therefore susceptible to change. However, as we all know, behavioural change is extremely difficult.

The project will also investigate how measures to encourage healthier behaviours and support people in managing their chronic conditions can be assisted by modern technologies and mobile health tools and applications. The project team led by Prof. Dr Edith Maier therefore includes experts in electronic and mobile health, health monitoring, social gerontology and other disciplines. Besides, it includes a major Swiss health insurer to make sure that solutions that have proved effective can be implemented in real-life settings. 

Link: Gebert Rüf Stiftung - E-Nudging (German)