JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Human centered design is a methodology that applies an iterative participatory process that engages the end-user for whom an innovation or intervention is designed for from start to end. There is evidence to support human centered design for development of tools to effect health behavior generally, but for family planning provision specifically. This study is part two of a three phase study that utilizes a user-centered design methodology that utilizes the findings from Phase I to design, develop and test a digital health solution to support follow-up after an induced surgical abortion.

Objective:

Objectives for this study were: 1) To develop a web-based intervention based on preferences and experiences of women who undergo an abortion as measured in formative phase of the FACTS Study. 2) To conduct usability testing of the intervention to determine user-friendliness and appropriateness of the intervention. 3) To finalize a beta version of the web-based intervention for pilot testing.

Methods:

Study design was based on “Development-evaluation-implementation” process from Medical Research Council Framework for Complex Medical Interventions. This study is Phase II of III and is based on user-centered design methodology. Phase I findings demonstrated that women engage with technology to assist in clinical care and preferred a comprehensive website with email or text notifications to support follow-up care. In phase II we collaborated with family planning experts and key stakeholders to synthesize evidence from Phase I. With them and with a development partner we built a prototype. Usability testing was completed with 9 participants using a validated System Usability Scale. This was then used to refine the intervention for Phase III pilot study. Approved by local Ethics board.

Results:

We developed a comprehensive web-based tool called myPostCare.ca, which includes: Post-Procedure Care, Emotional Well-Being Tool, Contraception Explorer, Sexual Health, Book an Appointment and Other Resources. Additionally, over the course of a month post procedure, automatic email notifications were sent to women as a virtual follow-up support directing them to myPostCare.ca resources. Email notifications differed between based on whether women had an immediate postprocedure IUD inserted or not. We made changes based on usability testing results.

Conclusions:

This study demonstrated that user-centered design is a useful methodology to build programs and interventions that are women-centered, specifically for abortion care.