Systematic co-development and testing of a digital behaviour change intervention for osteoarthritis and physical...

Area of Science:

• Digital health interventions
• Behavioural science
• Osteoarthritis management

Background:

• Osteoarthritis (OA) impacts millions, with physical activity (PA) recommended but underutilized.
• A significant portion of OA patients remain inactive, necessitating accessible interventions.
• Digital behaviour change interventions (DBCIs) offer a potential solution for self-management of PA in OA.

Purpose of the Study:

• To co-develop and evaluate a DBCI aimed at increasing PA in people with OA.
• To address the need for user-friendly and motivating interventions for OA patients.
• To explore patient perspectives on digital tools for PA self-management.

Main Methods:

• A mixed-methods design was employed, integrating theoretical foundations with practical development.
• The Intervention Mapping (IM) approach guided the DBCI development process.
• Patient research partners and user feedback (interviews, think-aloud) informed the website design.

Main Results:

• The IM approach facilitated a clear, theory-driven development of a prototype website.
• User feedback emphasized the need for clear, easily understandable information.
• Key user-identified elements for engagement included enjoyment and social connectedness.

Conclusions:

• DBCIs for OA should be theory-based, clearly described, and rigorously tested with users.
• Understanding user integration of digital tools into daily life is crucial for effectiveness.
• Co-development with patients is vital for creating relevant and engaging digital health interventions.