Adjusting the 15-method to Danish general practice: a participatory design approach

Area of Science:

• Primary Healthcare
• Public Health Interventions
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• The 15-method is a primary healthcare tool for screening and intervention of alcohol-related problems.
• A Danish feasibility test indicated that adaptations could improve its suitability for Danish general practice.
• This study focused on user involvement to refine a Danish version of the 15-method.

Purpose of the Study:

• To adapt and refine the 15-method for use in Danish general practice through a user-centered design process.
• To enhance the structure, usability, and interdisciplinary collaboration of the 15-method.
• To ensure the adapted tool better fits the context of Danish primary healthcare settings.

Main Methods:

• A participatory design approach involving iterative cycles of planning, user workshops, evaluation, and revision.
• Workshops included general practitioners, nurses, patients, researchers, and design specialists.
• Prototyping and scenario enactment were used for co-development, followed by field testing and evaluation.

Main Results:

• The treatment step was condensed from four to three consultations by restructuring patient materials and increasing screening-to-treatment flexibility.
• A quick guide, visual aids (flyers, posters), and a redesigned, flexible healthcare manual were developed.
• Field testing validated enhanced usability and improved interdisciplinary collaboration.

Conclusions:

• The participatory design process successfully adapted the 15-method for Danish general practice.
• The refined version demonstrated improved usability and collaborative potential.
• Further large-scale studies are planned to evaluate the effectiveness of the adapted 15-method.