We examined factors influencing patient experiences with digital health interventions (DHIs) and developed a preliminary framework to guide their design. By synthesizing findings from 15 reviews encompassing 543 studies, we identified four key themes: individual context, content, technical issues, and design features. These insights aim to enhance accessibility, usability, and patient-centered care in digital health.
What was the context of our study?
Digital health technologies, such as telemedicine and mHealth apps, have seen rapid adoption, especially following the COVID-19 pandemic. These tools promise improved accessibility and patient empowerment, but their effectiveness often hinges on user experience. To maximize their impact, understanding the design factors that influence patient experiences is essential.
What did we do?
Using an umbrella review methodology, we analyzed 15 systematic reviews that explored patient experiences with DHIs. The selected studies focused on diverse health issues and target groups, including chronic diseases and mental health. Through thematic analysis, we identified design-relevant factors impacting patient experiences, which we organized into four major themes.
What did we find?
- Individual Context: Factors like technical literacy, health literacy, motivation, and social support play a critical role in shaping patient experiences.
- Content: Evidence-based interventions and behavior change techniques, such as goal setting and reinforcement, enhance user engagement and trust.
- Technical Issues: Challenges include system integration, data privacy concerns, and hardware or software limitations that affect usability.
- Design Features: Personalization, intuitive navigation, clear information, and visually appealing interfaces significantly improve user satisfaction.
Why is this important?
Our findings provide actionable guidance for designing patient-centered DHIs. By addressing these factors, developers and healthcare providers can create more effective and engaging tools, improving health outcomes and patient satisfaction. The proposed framework serves as a foundation for future research and design strategies.
Reference
Wang T, Giunti G, Melles M, Goossens R. Design-Relevant Factors Affecting the Patient Experience in Digital Health: Preliminary Results of an Umbrella Systematic Review. MEDINFO 2021: Global Partnership for Digital Innovation. 2022; https://doi.org/10.3233/SHTI220202.