Using codesign workshops to develop a conceptual framework for a mobile health app targeting chronic low back pain...

Area of Science:

• Digital health
• Human-computer interaction
• Chronic pain management

Background:

• Chronic low back pain (CLBP) poses a significant health burden.
• Mobile health (mHealth) applications offer potential for self-management, but require user-centered design.
• Existing CLBP apps face challenges in user engagement and effectiveness.

Purpose of the Study:

• To gather stakeholder insights for developing a CLBP self-management app.
• To identify challenges and solutions for mHealth apps targeting CLBP.
• To inform the creation of a conceptual framework for a CLBP self-management app.

Main Methods:

• Employed a codesign workshop methodology with diverse stakeholders.
• Conducted online workshops to facilitate participation from individuals with CLBP, healthcare professionals, and app developers.
• Utilized brainstorming, communication, and reflection exercises to foster collaboration.

Main Results:

• Identified four primary challenges in current back pain apps: belief and trust, motivation, safety, and usability.
• Nine stakeholders collaboratively proposed practical solutions to address these identified challenges.
• Generated critical insights for improving mHealth solutions for CLBP.

Conclusions:

• The codesign workshop approach is effective for generating insights into mHealth app development for CLBP.
• The identified challenges and proposed solutions can guide the development of more effective CLBP self-management apps.
• Future app development informed by these insights may lead to enhanced user engagement and better health outcomes.