Information needs and preferences of patients with an ankle fracture: User involvement study creating an mHealth solution

Objective
The aim of this study was to employ a user-driven participatory design (PD) approach to develop an mHealth solution that addresses patients’ information needs after surgical or non-surgical treatment for an ankle fracture.

Methods
Patients with an ankle fracture and health care professionals along the treatment pathway in both the hospital and municipality participated in four workshops (WS).

Results
We found that patients with an ankle fracture need information on topics such as “a typical course,” “bandages and assistive devices,” “what can I feel,” “what may I do,” “what to usually worry about,” “medicine,” “tips and tricks,” and “contact information.” Moreover, patients requested diverse modes of dissemination, preferably a combination of text, timelines, pictures, animations, and videos. Alpha and beta testing of the digital platform was conducted, and content-related improvements were made. A readability analysis showed reading ease of 40.1 of 100, meaning that it should be easily understood by 15–16 year-olds.

Conclusion
Involving representatives of future users in creating this mHealth solution using PD demonstrates the benefits of creating a solution that aligns with users’ needs.