JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Efficient collaboration throughout the full cycle of care is essential for value-based healthcare. In the Netherlands, traditionally occupational healthcare and curative healthcare operate as two different sectors. As a consequence efficient communication and adequate collaboration between professionals operating in these sectors is lacking. Digital network-care platforms that facilitate communication and collaboration are acknowledged as a promising solution to address the fragmentation of work-focused healthcare. A human-centered design (HCD) approach can ensure that such platforms align with professionals’ needs by involving them throughout the design process.

Objective:

This study aimed to examine end-user experiences during the design phase of a real-world HCD process for developing a digital platform to support work-related care networks, with a focus on understanding how users perceive this collaborative approach.

Methods:

A mixed-method design was employed, combining observations of N=17 design sessions and semi-structured interviews with healthcare professionals as end-users. Observational data captured session dynamics, while interview data provided deeper insights into professionals’ experiences with the participative HCD approach.

Results:

End-users were generally motivated to contribute, driven by professional interest, social encouragement, or a desire to improve practice. They appreciate an open and informal atmosphere during the design sessions and highlighted a need for clear goals, good preparation, and iterative involvement. Barriers in such a collaborative approach can be limited session time, virtual interaction constraints, and uncertainty about the commercial context.

Conclusions:

End-users valued being part of collaborative design process, but their engagement and perceived contribution were highly dependent on how the design session was facilitated. Structuring design sessions with clear expectations, preparatory tools, and opportunities for follow-up can support more effective, foundational, co-creation in digital platform development for work-focused network care.