Development of a Digital Tool for People With a Long-Term Condition Using Stroke as a Case Example: Participatory...

Area of Science:

• Digital health
• Health informatics
• Patient engagement

Background:

• Growing demand for digital health tools in patient care.
• Chronic conditions require long-term follow-up and support.
• Digital previsit tools can improve efficiency and patient-centered care.

Purpose of the Study:

• Develop a digital previsit tool for stroke patients.
• Explore end-user perceptions of the tool using a participatory approach.

Main Methods:

• Service design principles and qualitative data informed tool development.
• Workshops with a patient partner integrated features.
• Focus groups, surveys, and interviews explored utility, ease of use, and acceptance.
• Thematic analysis using the Framework Method was applied.

Main Results:

• 22 stroke survivors (median age 59) found the tool satisfactory and recommended its use.
• Key themes: valuable information, relevant/comprehensible questions, and potential for identifying needs.
• Participants desired more free-text options for detailed input.

Conclusions:

• Participatory development resulted in a useful previsit digital tool for stroke patients.
• The holistic approach integrating information, validated questions, and digital function is adaptable for other chronic conditions.
• The tool identifies care needs, confirms patient experiences, and supports engagement.