Self-management device – Chronic lower back pain
Personalised digital device to support self-management of physical activity and pain for people with chronic lower back pain
Type of project: Prototype
Disability concerned: Chronic lower back pain
Topics: Health, Support for self-management of physical activity and pain
Status: Completed
This project involves developing a prototype digital device for people suffering from chronic lower back pain (CLBP). The prototype aims to help users self-manage their pain and physical activity in their daily lives. It consists of a digital application combined with a physical activity tracker (watch or connected bracelet).
Self-management of physical activity and pain is a major challenge for people suffering from CLBP. Mobile health technologies offer interesting prospects for supporting this self-management. However, existing devices have limitations in terms of content, effectiveness and acceptability. They are often abandoned after a short trial period and are rarely designed in collaboration with the people affected by this health condition. The aim of this project is to develop a prototype device that meets the specific needs of this population.
The prototype was developed using a user-centred design approach, in 3 distinct phases: (1) co-design of the interface as part of prototyping workshops with people suffering from CLBP and healthcare professionals; (2) development of a digital mock-up in collaboration with the project steering committee;
(3) assessing the acceptability of the model through individual interviews with people suffering from CLBP and healthcare professionals.
The first prototyping phase was an opportunity to co-design the interface, but also to discuss the content and conditions of use of the device. The second phase led to the creation of a digital mock-up. In the third phase, potential users were asked to suggest ways in which the mock-up could be developed, so that its content and functions could be improved. The participants (n=5) unanimously noted the perceived usefulness and ease of use of the prototype. The results of this study will be used to guide the subsequent stages in the development of a device specifically designed to support self-management by people suffering from CLBP.
This project provided an opportunity to implement a process of co-design of a device in collaboration with various associative, clinical and academic partners.
This experience considerably enriched the content of the project (for example, certain functionalities of the system were discussed in detail, and new ideas emerged), as well as the mutual understanding of the needs and points of view of the different partners involved. The support provided by the Innovation Booster process complemented the various stages of the project.
In addition, this experience highlighted the complexity of implementing this methodology in a relatively short timeframe. We were forced to postpone the initial timetable due to the unavailability of people suffering from CLBP and healthcare professionals during the summer.
We plan to continue developing this prototype in order to implement the application’s various functionalities. We would then like to develop an intervention based on the use of such a device and pre-test this intervention with the target population.
Contact information
Haute École de Travail Social et de la Santé Lausanne
Mathilde Berger