[Participatory development of a digital support platform for Young Adult Carers: a multi-method co-creative study]

Participatory development of a digital support platform for Young Adult Carers: a multi-method co-creative study Abstract: Background: Young Adult Carers (YAC) take on responsibility for relatives in need of care alongside their education, studies, or entry into working life. Their burdens are manifold, but their situation often remains invisible. Tailored digital services for them are currently lacking. Aim: A participatory research project is therefore developing a digital support platform in collaboration with YAC. The project explores how the platform needs to be designed to support YAC in their particular life situation. Methods: Needs and perspectives on life were gathered through interviews using egocentric network analysis and the participatory method Photovoice. LEGO^® Serious Play^® was used for the technology development. In addition to YAC, a citizens' advisory board and the project team were also involved in this method. Results: Network analysis revealed the central role of informal support. Photovoice provided insights into challenges and coping strategies. Both methods revealed support needs and possible content for the platform. LEGO^® Serious Play^® supplemented the results with key requirements and supported the development of a vision for the platform. Conclusions: The multi-method approach provided insights into the stresses, resources, and needs of YAC and supported the development of support services. The results provide an initial empirical basis for needs-oriented interventions, but their generalizability must be tested in further studies.