JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

The design and development of digital health platforms do not routinely incorporate psychosocial aspects and theory that may increase engagement and motivation for using the digital solution. However, emerging evidence suggests that when integrating both theory and psychosocial aspects in the design process, the resulting digital health platforms may be superior in engaging and motivating patient to use them.

Objective:

To give an overview of how and why integrating psychosocial aspects in digital solutions may be essential to engage and motivate patients to use digital solutions.

Methods:

A brief narrative review of studies integrating psychosocial aspects and theory in the design and development of digital solutions for telerehabilitation.

Results:

Among the studies identified, the self-determination theory, incorporating the patient’s perspective, and using behavioral or psychological interventions on digital platforms are some of the theoretical and psychosocial aspects, which have already been used to design and develop digital solutions for telerehabilitation.

Conclusions:

Based on the literature, it is argued that integrating psychosocial aspects and theory in the design and development of digital solutions for telerehabilitation may results in platforms of increased value to both health providers and patients. Clinical Trial: NA