Refining the design of a smartphone application for people with chronic low back pain using mixed quantitative and qualitative approaches

Abstract

Introduction

A mobile application has the potential to involve people with chronic NSLBP in their rehabilitation. To refine the design of a smartphone application for people with chronic NSLBP using mixed quantitative and qualitative approaches.

Methods

We used a user-centred design approach involving people with chronic NSLBP and healthcare professionals (HCPs). We used a three-step methodology: developing consensus on the features, content, and design of the app; developing a user interface; and usability testing of the app and assessing users’ experience. Transcripts of interviews of users were analyzed by qualitative content analysis.

Results

A total of 18 people (aged 45 [23–53] years old) with chronic NSLBP, and 7 HCPs (aged 29.5 [25–55] years old) involved in NSLBP management were interviewed. The overall experience of using the smartphone eLombactif app was initially assessed. Then, with close-ended questions we evaluated users’ judgements on the content, its presentation and navigation. Finally, we asked for suggestions: “application content and functionality” and “content presentation” from participants regarding the use and development of the app analyzed by a qualitative methodology.

Conclusions

This study described how we refined the design of our application for people with chronic NSLBP using a qualitative and quantitative approaches. This methodology allows for deepening the knowledge of the needs and expectations of potential users by measuring their user experience.

IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION

• Non-specific low back pain (NSLBP) is a major global public health issue leading to considerable economic cost and is primarily responsible for pain and disability.

• Mobile application has the potential to involve people with chronic NSLBP in their rehabilitation.

• This study described how we refined the design of our application for people with chronic NSLBP using a qualitative and quantitative approaches.

Keywords:

• eHealth
• exercise movement techniques
• low back pain
• mHealth
• mobile application
• self-management

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by CHU Clermont-Ferrand, Clermont Auvergne University. AA received grants for the MSc degree from Thuasne.