Developing digital applications for tailored communication in orthopaedics using a Research through Design approach

Abstract

ObjectiveTailored communication and information provision is expected to contribute to patient-centred care (PCC) in total hip arthroplasty (THA). In previous research, three subgroups of THA patients were identified that are similar in their clinical, psychological and communication characteristics. Preliminary subgroup-specific design guidelines were also formulated. Using these insights as a starting point, a theoretical framework was developed for tailored information provision and communication using digital applications. This study aims to refine the framework as well as subgroup-specific design guidelines for digital applications.MethodsThis study uses a Research through Design (RtD) approach, generating insights both from the development and evaluation of prototypes in the early design stage. Paper-based prototypes will be made for each subgroup and evaluated with patients and care providers. Semi-structured interviews are held with participants exploring their experiences with the prototype. A quasi-experiment with a non-random control cohort is used to validate the qualitative findings. Post-surgery consultations with and without prototype are videotaped and scored using a structured instrument.ResultsA design diary will be used to summarize design decisions and considerations. Feedback from participants is analysed inductively. Adaptations in subgroup-specific guidelines will be based on comparison of verbal feedback and descriptive statistics from consultations with and without prototype.ConclusionsAlthough mixed-method feasibility studies of digital health interventions are common, this protocol also considers the utility of the early design process and the designer’s perspective for realizing PCC and tailored care.

Tailored health communication: Opportunities and challenges in the digital era

“…16,23 As the primary goal of tailoring is to deliver individualized communications, user-centered approaches are critical when developing tailored health communication. Using a Research through Design approach, Groeneveld et al 24 refined a framework and guidelines for tailoring digital health communication. They describe a stepwise approach of involving the end-user in the development of tailored interventions, by identifying patient subgroups and proposing prototypes that match the needs of these subgroups.…”

“…Using a Research through Design approach, Groeneveld et al. 24 refined a framework and guidelines for tailoring digital health communication. They describe a stepwise approach of involving the end-user in the development of tailored interventions, by identifying patient subgroups and proposing prototypes that match the needs of these subgroups.…”

Online Communication-Based Rehabilitation Management for Patients With Replaced Joints: Experience and Oppo

“…The experience of interaction between patients and medical specialists proves that online services designed for patients solve the most important medical and social issue task related to establishing conditions for reducing the rehabilitation period: monitoring and control by medical specialists, remote professional consultations regardless of geographical location, interactive notification concerning the health status, which serves the basis for patients' self-training, and which, in turn, leads to better compliance [13]. The proposed model serves the basis for quality assurance in medical care and rehabilitation, implementing in practice the fundamental requirements of the ISO 9001-2015 international standard: Understanding the organization and its context (4.1), Understanding the needs and expectations of interested parties (4.2), Customer focus (5.1.2), Actions to address risks and opportunities (6.1), Customer communication (8.2.1), Customer satisfaction (9.1.2), management review (9.3), improvement (10) [14].…”

Effects of Information Architecture on the Effectiveness and User Experience of Web-Based Patient Education in Middle-Aged and Older Adults: Online Randomized Experiment

“…Each eligible participant was provided a hyperlink to the survey. After providing consent, participants filled out questionnaires regarding their communication preferences and skills, health, anxiety, and coping behavior, which were used to determine the patient profile [ 41 ]. Participants also stated the extent to which they already felt knowledgeable about TJR surgery (part A).…”

“…This study used a previously defined set of user profiles of patients [ 41 ] who had undergone total joint replacement (TJR) surgery to explore the potential benefit of tailored IA design ( Table 1 ). Each profile represents 1 of 3 ways through which communicative preferences and capabilities may manifest in patients.…”