A rapid review for developing a co-design framework for a pediatric surgical communication application

Area of Science:

• Digital Health
• Human-Computer Interaction
• Health Informatics

Background:

• Mobile health (mHealth) applications are increasingly used in patient care.
• Understanding end-user needs is crucial for successful mHealth interventions.
• Co-design is a key process for incorporating user needs into mHealth development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To summarize published uses of co-design in mobile health (mHealth) applications.
• To inform the development of a local mHealth tool for pediatric surgery.

Main Methods:

• A rapid review was conducted following Cochrane guidelines.
• Searched four databases for collaborative design in mHealth apps until August 2021.
• Included empirical studies in English, with two reviewers screening and a third resolving conflicts.

Main Results:

• 27 studies met eligibility criteria out of 984 records screened.
• Studies focused on care support, communication, self-management, or information management.
• Co-design involved target audiences and 85% included healthcare professionals; methods included interviews, surveys, focus groups, and prototype evaluation.

Conclusions:

• Co-design positively impacts mHealth development, research processes, and outcomes.
• A clear framework for terminology, activities, and evaluation is essential for co-design success.
• Findings will inform a novel co-design framework for a pediatric surgery mHealth application.