User experience research in the development of digital health products: Research letter

Abstract

BackgroundDigital health solutions are facing an increasing impact on healthcare. The current scientific focus is mainly set on clinical studies providing efficacy for different indications. In contrast to pharmaceutical therapy, user experience plays a major role in digital health. However, fundamental scientific knowledge about patient engagement, adoption and qualitative user experience of digital health solutions is missing. ObjectiveTo perform user experience design research for the development of a disease management platform for fibromyalgia-like post-COVID19 syndrome. To discuss relevant user experience and its current status in digital health products development. MethodsA literature review on PubMed and interviews with digital health stakeholders were performed. German registered digital health applications (DiGAs) for musculoskeletal indications were reviewed in terms of front-end design and navigation. An online user experience design survey about Patient Reported Outcomes (PROs) collection was sent to patients from a Swiss post-COVID19 patient association. ResultsThe literature documenting patient experience aspects in digital health is poor despite all stakeholders agreed on its importance, potentially also influencing efficacy of the therapies. Currently available DiGAs have a heterogeneous front-end design without clear user interface design or navigation strategy, respectively. Patient online surveys have shown to be easily feasible and effective tools for qualitative user experience research. Basic user experience research provided helpful guidelines for choices in design features for the purpose of the development of a digital health product. ConclusionsUser experience research as a tool in the patient-centric development of a digital health product provides valuable data. This data has the potential to help increase adoption and efficacy of the product. Further research studies are needed to clarify the role of user experience in digital therapies.