METHODS FOR KNOWLEDGE DISCOVERY AND INTERVENTION DESIGN IN EVIDENCE-BASED HEALTHCARE

Abstract

Evidence-based health care has become an increasingly important focus of the modern medicine in recent years. Its success pertains to the use of best evidence available, the integration of patients' values and preferences, as well as the development of clinical tools and interventions. This thesis adopted a design science approach to extending social and technological boundaries of scientific methods in evidence-based health care towards achieving optimal health. Several design artefacts were created: (i) knowledge extraction methods for building “living” evidence networks of randomised controlled trials, (ii) task-based topic modelling methods for discovering knowledge about patients' values, and (iii) design theories of mobile health interventions for delivering optimal care to patients. With the theoretical discourses and empirical evidence, this thesis contributed to the cumulative advancement of information theory, design science, and shared decision-making. It provided practical methods and tools for patients, clinicians, and health care providers to facilitate chronic care.