An investigation into engagement processes for user requirements development for a personal healthcare record aimed at health self-management

摘要

This study presents an investigation into the user requirements development process for the co-design between stakeholders of a personal healthcare record aimed at self-management of cognitive health. A case study methodology was used to investigate the co-design of the Innovative, Midlife Intervention for Dementia Deterrence (In-MINDD) tool which seeks to address cognitive health promotion in primary community health care systems.udThe purpose of this case study was to investigate clinical engagement processes as part of the user requirements elicitation process for a personal healthcare record aimed at health self-management. Interviews, focus groups and usability testing were conducted with identified key stakeholders including General Practitioners (GPs) and service users. The Normalization Process Theory (NPT) framework was employed for its focus on engagement to guide the research design and data analysis.udThe case study methodology and NPT process were found to be complimentary approaches in defining user requirements. User requirements were fit for purpose and aligned well to user experience specifications. Results indicated a greater demand for this type of intervention among potential service users as opposed to GPs. The most appropriate way to offer the In-MINDD tool is as a web based Personal Health Record updated by service users. The support environment was identified as lacking sufficient interactivity needing more personalisation and greater service user interaction. Future iterations of the In-MINDD tool should use a combination of personalized feedback and incorporate smart mobile technology to deliver feedback thus better supporting personal wellbeing. This study presents a novel contribution to the field of requirements development research by investigating the role of engagement processes to specifying user requirements for health software. The NPT framework has been applied in a new context and from an earlier stage then previously used. This research indicates that the NPT framework is shown to have further merit applied to user requirements development research.