We reviewed factors influencing digital patient experiences (digital PEx) in healthcare and proposed design considerations for improving them. The findings from 45 review studies highlight the critical role of technology usability, patient-centered design, and organizational integration. By synthesizing these insights, we developed a framework to guide the design and evaluation of digital health tools, ensuring better alignment with patient needs and expectations.
What was the context of our study?
Digital health solutions have rapidly transformed healthcare delivery, offering remote consultations, symptom monitoring, and patient education. However, understanding patient experiences with these tools is complex, as digital environments replace traditional in-person care. We sought to systematically identify factors shaping digital PEx and provide actionable guidelines for designing patient-centered digital health solutions.
What did we do?
We conducted an umbrella review of 45 systematic and scoping reviews, analyzing themes related to digital PEx. Using thematic analysis, we categorized influencing factors into three domains: behavioral, technical, and organizational determinants. We also examined design considerations, such as personalization, navigation, and visualization, to provide actionable recommendations for developers.
What did we find?
Our analysis identified nine key categories influencing digital PEx, ranging from patient motivation and technology usability to organizational support. Positive experiences often stemmed from tools that were intuitive, visually engaging, and personalized. Conversely, barriers included technical complexity, lack of integration with existing workflows, and insufficient patient training. We also identified effective design methods, including co-design and human-centered design, as essential for creating impactful digital tools.
Why is this important?
As healthcare increasingly relies on digital solutions, ensuring a positive digital PEx is critical for adoption and effectiveness. Our findings provide a roadmap for healthcare providers and developers to design tools that enhance patient engagement, improve accessibility, and align with clinical goals. By prioritizing patient needs, these innovations can lead to better health outcomes and satisfaction.
Reference
Wang T, Giunti G, Melles M, Goossens R. Digital Patient Experience: Umbrella Systematic Review. J Med Internet Res. 2022;24(8):e37952. https://doi.org/10.2196/37952.