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

The 15-method is a primary healthcare tool for opportunistic screening and brief intervention for alcohol-related problems. A Danish feasibility test of the 15-method suggested that adjustments might enhance its fit to Danish general practice. This study reports on user-involving workshops aimed at refining a Danish version of the 15-method.

Using a participatory design approach, we conducted iterative cycles of planning, user workshops, evaluating and revising design. Workshops engaged five general practitioners, three nurses, four patients, four researchers, a project manager, a graphics designer and a behavioral design specialist. Through prototyping and scenario enacting, participants co-developed solutions to improve the 15-method's structure and usability. Prototypes were field tested and evaluated.

The 15-method's treatment step was shortened from four consultations to three by re-structuring of the patient material and increasing flexibility in transitioning from screening to treatment. A quick guide was developed as a shared reference for patients and healthcare professionals, alongside visual aids such as flyers and posters. The healthcare manual was re-designed for flexibility and updated to include varied screening approaches. Field testing confirmed that these adjustments enhanced usability and interdisciplinary collaboration.

The participatory design process effectively refined the 15-method for Danish general practice. Future studies will assess the effectiveness of the adapted version on a larger scale.