JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Chronic diseases represent a significant global burden, accounting for 85% of the total disease burden in Australia. This burden is particularly pronounced in rural areas, where chronic disease rates are higher and access to healthcare services is more limited. Digital technology has the potential to address these disparities by overcoming challenges such as workforce shortages and geographic isolation.

Objective:

Our objective is to develop a digital health platform (DHP) to support the monitoring and management of chronic disease in collaboration with rural and regional stakeholders, including researchers, healthcare providers (HCPs), and patients.

Methods:

Guided by implementation science methodologies, we are adopting an evidence-based approach to developing a DHP for chronic disease management. Informed by co-design frameworks and best-practice guidelines, our development plan comprises three key phases: (1) Stakeholder needs analysis, (2) Co-design and platform development, and (3) Post-design evaluation and testing. The Federation University Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC Ref No. 2023/169) granted ethics approval for this study.

Results:

Data collection is currently underway. We have commenced Phase 2 of the project and anticipate completion by the end of 2026.

Conclusions:

Findings will inform the desirability, feasibility, and acceptability of co-designed digital health platforms for chronic disease management in rural Australia. Further, the study will contribute to the evidence base on collaborative, context-sensitive digital health innovation for underserved populations.