This case study examined the power dynamics between patients, healthcare professionals and family members during participatory design workshops held in four countries. Using participant observation, recordings and facilitator interviews, we analysed the workshops with French and Raven's Bases of Power framework. Each stakeholder group brought a distinct type of power to the design process, shaping whose voice was heard and...
This study developed a framework of key components to consider when planning and running participatory design workshops for digital health solutions. Four experts from computer science, health informatics, psychology and social anthropology used the nominal group technique to agree on the components. The resulting framework, with five categories and 36 factors, was then tested on a real participatory design process...
We developed a detailed patient journey map for pediatric growth hormone deficiency (PGHD), a chronic condition requiring long-term hormone therapy. Drawing on interviews and focus groups with 62 patients and caregivers across Europe, we identified six key stages of the journey: awareness, diagnosis, treatment planning, initiation, maintenance, and transition. This map highlights emotional challenges and treatment barriers, offering insights into...
We conducted a scoping review to investigate the role of informal carers of people with multiple sclerosis (pwMS) in digital health research. Out of 14 included studies, most focused on telemedicine, online education, or telerehabilitation, with varying degrees of involvement of family and friends (F&F). The findings indicate that while digital health can support carers and enhance their ability to...
We proposed and developed a gamified digital platform to support adolescents with diabetes mellitus in managing their condition. By integrating gamification techniques such as point systems, achievements, and social support features, the platform aims to improve patient engagement and adherence to treatment plans. The platform also includes telemonitoring and education tools to enhance self-management and foster healthier lifestyles among young...
We investigated how smart home applications (SMAs) can support cognitive health for older adults. These technologies, combining sensors, automation, and digital interfaces, help monitor cognitive and physical conditions, provide cognitive training, and facilitate social connections. By focusing on usability, accessibility, and user-centric design, SMAs have the potential to improve independence and quality of life for older individuals. (more…)
We investigated the experiences and compliance of informal caregivers using a connected health platform to support people with dementia (PwD) in a real-world home care setting. Over six months, caregivers shared their perceptions of the platform’s usability, usefulness, and challenges. Although the platform initially inspired optimism, long-term use revealed gaps in addressing caregivers' specific needs and low compliance rates. Our...
We explored the design of chatbots for depression screening, leveraging advancements in natural language processing and artificial intelligence. Using a research-through-design approach, we developed a chatbot prototype that integrates the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), a validated depression screening tool. Our findings emphasize the importance of ethical considerations, tailored personality design, effective conversational flow, and predictability to ensure safety and user...
We explored the challenges and policy changes affecting abortion access during the COVID-19 pandemic across the European Union and the United Kingdom. While some countries implemented measures to facilitate access, such as telemedicine and extended guidelines for early medical abortion, others restricted services or failed to consider abortion as essential healthcare. These findings underscore disparities in abortion policy and access,...
We conducted a systematic review of mobile applications for individuals with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) to understand the current landscape of these digital tools. Searching major app stores, we identified 25 relevant apps from over 1,600 initial results. Most apps focused on providing information about MS and its treatments, with limited features supporting disease management or patient support. Our findings highlight...
