Co-design methods for eliciting patient needs for wrist splint design

Abstract

Wrist splints are a common treatment for rheumatoid arthritis, however, their effectiveness is compromised by patients not wearing splints as prescribed. Previous research has identified reasons for non-compliance, but typically lacks insights that could lead to improved splint design. A three-part study, using design probes, context mapping and a personalization toolkit as co-design methods for eliciting patient needs for wrist splint designs, is described. It identifies three themes and nine sub-themes for situations that affect compliance in wearing a splint. Additionally, four motivating factors to wear and 10 motivating factors not to wear a splint are presented. Nine requirements for improved splint design are established and form the basis of the design for a prototype personalization toolkit. Testing of this toolkit reveals participants are keen to wear splints whose appearance matches the clothes they are wearing or activities being undertaken. Co-design methods are shown to be capable of identifying determinants of compliance not previously discussed in the literature, as well as eliciting patient-specific needs for splint design.

Keywords:

• Probes
• personalization
• toolkits
• co-design
• rheumatoid arthritis

Acknowledgements

We would like to thank Loughborough School of Design and Creative Arts for funding this research and Abby Paterson for her kind contribution of scanned 3D hand data.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest is reported by the authors.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Charlotte Pyatt

Dr. Charlotte Pyatt is a Design Researcher at DCA Design International. Her academic research investigates the role of product design in patient compliance, specifically focussing on personalisation and co-design. She brings expertise in co-design to her current role at DCA, incorporating co-creation and participatory methods into professional practice.

Matt Sinclair

Dr. Matt Sinclair is Programme Director for Industrial Design at the School of Design and Creative Arts, Loughborough University. His research investigates the future of manufacturing, and in particular how digital technologies enable the increasing involvement of the consumer in the design and manufacture of their own products.

Richard Bibb

Richard Bibb is Professor of Medical Applications of Design and Associate Dean Research at the School of Design and Creative Arts, Loughborough University. His research explores the application of advanced design techniques in medical devices, prosthetics, orthotics and surgery resulting in more than 100 peer reviewed articles.