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Exploring needs and requirements for a prototype device measuring physical activity in pediatric physical therapy: A
Barbara Engels1,2, Corelien J J Kloek3, Marleen E Sol1
1Research Centre Healthy and Sustainable Living, Research Group Lifestyle and Health, Utrecht University of Applied Sciences, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
Plos One
|June 25, 2024
Summary
Pediatric physical therapists, parents, and children need a user-friendly activity monitor prototype (AM-p) with clear information and child-friendly design. Further development should focus on customization for diverse end-users in clinical practice.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Physical Therapy
- Rehabilitation Technology
- Assistive Devices
Background:
- Activity monitors are increasingly used in clinical practice.
- Understanding end-user needs is crucial for effective technology adoption.
- Pediatric physical therapists (PPTs), parents, and children have unique requirements for assistive devices.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the needs and requirements of Pediatric Physical Therapists (PPTs), parents, and children with and without developmental disabilities.
- To inform the future development and clinical integration of an activity monitor prototype (AM-p).
Main Methods:
- Qualitative exploratory study utilizing thematic analysis.
- Interviews conducted with 25 PPTs, 12 parents, and 12 children/adolescents.
- Analysis based on Braun and Clarke's six steps and Fleuren et al.'s groupings of determinants.
Main Results:
- Nine key themes emerged across four determinant groupings: information materials, application usability, design, relevance, shared decision-making, daily compatibility, finances, time, and legislation.
- End-users expressed a need for a child-friendly design and an easy-to-use application for interpreting results.
- Compatibility in daily living and efficient training for PPTs were identified as important factors.
Conclusions:
- End-users share basic needs for the AM-p, requiring individual customization during development.
- A child-friendly design, clear information materials, and an intuitive application are essential.
- Effective PPT training and enhanced communication between therapists, children, and parents are vital for successful implementation and shared decision-making.
