Consumer workarounds during the COVID-19 pandemic: analysis and technology implications using the SAMR framework

To understand the nature of health consumer self-management workarounds during the COVID-19 pandemic; to classify these workarounds using the Substitution, Augmentation, Modification, and Redefinition (SAMR) framework; and to see how digital tools had assisted these workarounds.

We assessed 15 self-managing elderly patients with Type 2 diabetes, multiple chronic comorbidities, and low digital literacy. Interviews were conducted during COVID-19 lockdowns in May-June 2020 and participants were asked about how their self-management had differed from before. Each instance of change in self-management were identified as consumer workarounds and were classified using the SAMR framework to assess the extent of change. We also identified instances where digital technology assisted with workarounds.

Consumer workarounds in all SAMR levels were observed. Substitution, describing change in work quality or how basic information was communicated, was easy to make and involved digital tools that replaced face-to-face communications, such as the telephone. Augmentation, describing changes in task mechanisms that enhanced functional value, did not include any digital tools. Modification, which significantly altered task content and context, involved more complicated changes such as making video calls. Redefinition workarounds created tasks not previously required, such as using Google Home to remotely babysit grandchildren, had transformed daily routines.

Health consumer workarounds need further investigation as health consumers also use workarounds to bypass barriers during self-management. The SAMR framework had classified the health consumer workarounds during COVID, but the framework needs further refinement to include more aspects of workarounds.