Multilayer framework for digital multicomponent platform design for colorectal survivors and carers: a qualitative...

Area of Science:

• Digital health interventions
• Cancer survivorship care
• Health informatics

Background:

• eHealth services offer potential support for colorectal cancer (CRC) survivors and informal caregivers (ICs).
• Research on user needs and design requirements for these digital tools remains limited.
• This study addresses the gap by focusing on developing a Digital Multicomponent Platform (DMP) for comprehensive survivor and IC support.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify key user needs and design requirements for eHealth services through qualitative research.
• To propose and apply a multi-tiered framework for creating a DMP tailored to CRC survivors and ICs.
• To enhance supportive care through user-centered digital interventions.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative data collection via Skype-based focus groups with CRC survivors and ICs.
• Elicitation of crucial themes for DMP design.
• Development of a multi-tiered framework integrating user-centered design (UCD) principles, requirements, outcomes, eHealth services, and IT infrastructure.

Main Results:

• Five key themes emerged: healthcare system interaction, provider-peer interaction, lifestyle/wellness, platform content/UI, and caregiver support.
• The multi-tiered framework highlighted the importance of personalized content, caregiver involvement, and electronic health record (EHR) integration.
• A DMP conceptualized from these themes prioritizes user needs and seamless data flow.

Conclusions:

• Novel insights into designing digital supportive care for CRC survivors and caregivers.
• User-centered design, personalized content, and caregiver involvement are crucial for effective eHealth interventions.
• A unified health data platform fostering communication is essential; the multi-tiered framework can guide future eHealth designs.