In our Evidence for Change series, we provide a brief overview of key behavioural science research that Atlantis Health applies in supporting patients living with long-term conditions to achieve optimal health outcomes and Change for Good.
"Digital health co-design: Perspectives from participating stakeholders on creating the Compass app" Ryan, J., Sicari, A., Stewart, C., Davis, A., Edney, E., & Cox, D. N. (2024). BMC Public Health, under review.
Challenge: Despite significant advances in digital health technologies, creating effective tools for the self-management of chronic conditions, and its prevention, remains challenging, particularly in ensuring these interventions are both engaging and evidence-based.
The inclusion of diverse stakeholder voices through co-design methodologies has emerged as best practice in developing digital health solutions, as it ensures interventions are relevant, practical, and aligned with user needs.
Co-design in digital health represents a systematic approach to intervention development where end-users, healthcare professionals, and researchers collaboratively create technology-based solutions that aim to improve health outcomes through accessible, personalised, and evidence-based digital platforms.
The authors conducted 12 in-depth interviews with stakeholders who participated in the co-design of a patient-focussed app. They included people living with Type 2 Diabetes or pre-diabetes, as well as healthcare professionals and project team members.
While these stakeholders found the co-design process beneficial and empowering, generating innovative ideas and meaningful collaboration, the authors noted it demanded significant coordination effort and careful management of diverse perspectives.
The article highlights the importance of strong project management, clear communication, strong facilitation, and adequate resources for effective stakeholder co-design initiatives to develop patient-focussed digital health solutions.
The success of co-design efforts hinges on the quality of the project management, facilitation skills, and communication strategies deployed.
At Atlantis Health, we employ co-design techniques within our multidisciplinary solution design and delivery approach, bringing together valuable stakeholder perspectives to guide development of effective patient engagement and adherence solutions.
Working with pharmaceutical companies, biotech and healthcare organisations, we improve patient experiences and outcomes.
Read more about our expertise in co-design and our co-designed digital health solutions.