Elena Rey Velasco defends her PhD thesis

Elena Rey Velasco. Photo: Simon Knokgaard Halskov

Title

'Optimising asynchronous communication in digital health coaching - The intersection between empathy and behaviour change'.

Time and place

21 October 2024 at 2 pm (CEST).

The defence will take place in Auditorium 18.01.11 at The Faculty of Social Sciences (CSS), Øster Farimagsgade 5, Building 18, 1353 Copenhagen.

The defence will also be available via Zoom (Link will follow).

Assessment committee

  • Professor Jesper Dammeyer, University of Copenhagen, Denmark (chair)

  • Professor Jane Ogden, University of Surrey, United Kingdom

  • Dr. Jutta Kloppenborg Heick Skau, Novo Nordisk, Denmark

Supervisors

  • Professor Timothy Charles Skinner, University of Copenhagen, Denmark

Abstract

The thesis investigates the role of empathic responses and behaviour change (BC) techniques in digital health coaching, focusing on communication between health coaches and patients. Using a multidisciplinary framework of empathy, BC, and linguistic analysis, it examines how these interactions unfold in telehealth settings. The project begins with a literature review that highlights gaps in existing coding tools, particularly in capturing empathy and BC elements in written communication. Two empirical studies analyse patient cues and health coach responses, revealing missed opportunities for empathy and the impact of delivery methods on intervention effectiveness. The findings suggest that delivery methods may influence the success of BC interventions more than the techniques themselves. Finally, the thesis proposes integrating AI to improve health coaching interactions and calls for further research into the interplay between empathy, BC techniques, and patient outcomes in larger, more diverse settings.