The mobile health application MyStrengths+MyHealth (MSMH) was developed for individuals to self-report their strengths, health challenges, and needs and assess 42 strengths/problems across four domains (e.g., My Living, My Mind and Networks, My Body, My Self-Care). In a new project, “Exploring Consumer-generated Health Data using MyStrengths+MyHealth for Adults with Cognition Challenges,” researchers from the School of Nursing will use MSMH to explore an individuals’ physical health, but also psychosocial components and health behaviors within the context of mild cognitive impairment (MCI). This work is being led by Assistant Professor Robin Austin (Principal Investigator), with Associate Professor Sripriya Rajamani (co-PI) and Professor Jenna Marquard (co-PI).

The project will generate additional MSMH data that will allow the researchers to perform machine-learning methods and conduct more robust analysis using data with and without self-identified cognitive health challenges in adults. The long-term goal is to improve health outcomes by combining whole-person consumer-generated health data with clinical electronic health record data that can be used to inform clinical conversations, predict patient trajectories, and identify appropriate interventions.

This project recently received a Research Computing Seed Grant. RC Seed Grant funds are intended to promote, catalyze, accelerate and advance U of M-based informatics research in areas related to the MnDRIVE initiative, so that U of M faculty and staff are well prepared to compete for longer term external funding opportunities. This Seed Grant falls under the Brain Conditions research area of the MnDRIVE initiative. 

The RC Seed Grant programs are currently being revised. Information about the updated programs will be posted on the Research Computing website shortly.