JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Twenty years ago, a “Guardian Angel” or comprehensive digital health advisor was proposed, suggesting that information systems designers should shift from serving health institutions to empowering the individual patient. Now, technical capabilities suggest this may be within reach, but most digital applications have narrow functions and target the relatively healthy, with few designed for those with the greatest needs. This paper describes the use of using human-centered design to identify unmet needs and key features of digital tools of groups such as the frail elderly and people with multiple chronic conditions as well as their caregivers. It proposes options for a comprehensive digital health advisor by generating personas of potential users and use cases, along with a prototype. Patients and caregivers reported interest in four functions: tracking and insights, advice and information, providing a holistic picture of the patient, and coordination and communication. The personas and use cases were shared with developers, investors, regulators and health system leaders for their input on how to create effective tools for some of the highest users of the health system.