Background: Evidence-based secondary prevention programs for survivors of stroke using digital health are lacking. In our prior user needs research with 78 clinicians and 112 people with stroke, there was strong support and intention to use digital health programs for secondary stroke prevention.
Aims: To co-design a novel digital health platform for secondary stroke prevention (CAPS), comprising a mobile app and a clinical portal with lifestyle and health data collected through wearable sensors.
Methods: The CAPS prototype was based on our mobile health cardiac rehabilitation platform augmented with text messages. Two rounds of user experience workshops were conducted. Audio recordings of the workshops were transcribed and analysed by content, with a focus on design needs and user preferences. In the first-round of workshops we validated the outcomes of our prior user needs research and completed the initial design for a user-facing app and clinical portal. The designs were then evaluated in the second-round.
Results: Seven consumers (5 male) and 9 clinicians (3 male) participated in the workshops. During the workshops, consumers indicated priorities for capturing health data on an app (especially blood pressure) to track their own progress, and to share information with their doctors. Clinicians additionally wanted the app to capture fatigue and social isolation information. Feedback on the app prototype included simplifying the design, using more icons/pictures, and easier instructions to complete a daily health check-in. The final CAPS platform includes the updated mobile app (available in iOS and Android) and integrates wearable activity trackers and smart devices (e.g. Fitbit or Apple watches). Data collected from wearable devices are synchronised via Bluetooth to the app. The app uploads information to the clinical portal and text messages to support goal-attainment are issued.
Conclusion: The CAPS digital health program has been iteratively co-designed, and is ready for feasibility testing.