Delvallée M, Marchal M, Termoz A, Habchi O, Derex L, Schott AM, Haesebaert J.
Digit Health. 2024 Aug 6;10:20552076241272628.
doi: 10.1177/20552076241272628. eCollection 2024 Jan-Dec.
PMID: 39114116
Abstract
Background: During the hospital-to-home transition, stroke survivors and their caregivers face a significant lack of support and information which impacts their psychosocial recovery. We aimed to co-design a program combining individual support by a trained case-manager (dedicated professional providing individual support) and an online information platform to address needs of stroke survivors and caregivers.
Methods: A two-step methodology was used. The first step followed a "user-centered design" approach during four workshops with stroke survivors, caregivers, and healthcare professionals to develop the platform and define the case-manager profile. The second step was a usability test of the platform following a Think Aloud method with patients and caregivers. The workshops and interviews were analyzed following a qualitative thematic analysis. The analysis of Think Aloud interviews was based on User Experience Honeycomb framework by Morville.
Results: Eight participants attended the workshops: two patients, two caregivers, three nurses, and a general practitioner. Activities, training, and skills of the case-manager were defined according to stroke survivors and caregivers needs. Name, graphics, navigation, and content of the platform were developed with the participants, a developer and a graphic designer. The usability of the platform was tested with 5 patients and 5 caregivers. The Think Aloud confirmed satisfaction with graphics and content but a need for improvement regarding the navigability. An update of the platform was conducted in order to answer the needs expressed by participants.
Conclusion: We developed, with a participatory approach, a patient-centered transition program, which will be evaluated in a randomized controlled trial.
Keywords: Stroke; participatory approach; psychosocial recovery; transitional care; user-centered design.