Background
Parents feel a responsibility to provide a healthy start for their young children, but struggle to realise this. Especially in disadvantaged neighbourhoods, parents face challenges such as financial strain, stress, and isolation. Facing these challenges can contribute to tensions between parents’ values, such as balancing family harmony with healthy food choices. Such value tensions may negatively affect the nutrition decisions parents make for their children. Nutrition interventions often fail to address these value tensions, which contributes to their relatively low uptake and impact. By understanding the tensions parents face between their values, the present research offers recommendations for future nutrition interventions to encourage healthy nutrition decisions in disadvantaged situations.

Methods
We conducted a qualitative interview study using semi-structured interviews with 20 parents of children aged zero to four years, living in disadvantaged neighbourhoods. Transcripts were analysed inductively to identify value tensions, stressors that trigger them, and protective factors that mitigate their impact.

Results
Six key value tensions parents experienced regarding nutrition were identified, which emerged in situations involving, for example, stress, low income, or limited social support. The three most common tensions included balancing the value of the dietary health of the child with the values of enjoyment of the child, convenience for the parent, and well-being of the parent. Our analyses showed that the value tensions were triggered by specific stressors, such as challenging child behaviour, unhealthy food provided by friends or family, and lack of me-time for the parent. The participants reported relief from stressors and the resulting value tensions by relying on protective factors such as social and material support, including informal household support and access to healthy, convenient foods.

Conclusions
This study provides insights into how value tensions, stressors, and protective factors influence parents’ nutrition decisions for their children. By addressing these value tensions, alongside other influences such as structural barriers, nutrition interventions may become more fitting and motivating for parents within their specific contexts. In addition to general recommendations on value-based intervention design, our findings offer specific guidance for developing tailored nutrition interventions for families in disadvantaged neighbourhoods.

Despite the well-documented health benefits of physical activity (PA), over 80% of adolescents worldwide fail to meet recommended daily levels. This study identified experienced barriers and facilitators for PA maintenance among Dutch adolescents, examine how they form barrier and facilitator profiles, and explore how barriers and facilitators evolve over time. First, we conducted 21 interviews with adolescents (13–16 years) to uncover relevant barriers and facilitators. Then, we developed and applied a card sorting task based on Q methodology, and examined barrier and facilitator configurations with 30 adolescents (aged 13–18 years) who had maintained a physical activity for ≥2 years, followed by interviews. Factor analysis revealed five facilitator profiles: Mental and physical health benefits, A way to be myself around others, Pursuing health goals, Developing confidence and strength, and Developing along my own path. Four barrier profiles emerged: Low motivation and energy, Not a good fit for me, Balancing act, and Proximity, possibility and perception. Facilitator profiles ranged from immediate characteristics of the activity, such as enjoyment, social connection, and mental well being, to more future-oriented drivers such as autonomy and self-development. Barriers profiles varied from predominantly internal (e.g., low motivation) to external (e.g., distance, weather) or mixed influences linking life demands to reduced personal resources. Across participants, enjoyment was the most consistent facilitator, but perceived influences often shifted with time, from immediate, activity-based facilitators related to competence and relatedness, toward motivations tied to autonomy, identity and coping with growing responsibilities characteristic of this life stage. These results highlight the diversity and dynamic nature of barriers and facilitators in adolescent PA maintenance. Tailoring PA promotion programs to adolescents’ evolving motivations and constraints can increase their effectiveness, supporting sustained active lifestyles into adulthood.

How can design and artistic practices contribute to shaping and envisioning futures and new ways of living and caring? This question grows increasingly urgent amid ageing populations, geopolitical conflicts, climate change and a housing crisis. Some of the proposed solutions, both from governments and society, take an individualistic approach, such as preparing emergency kits or investing strategically in housing. Others, however, emphasize collective resilience through care circles, collective housing and neighborhood networks. These latter approaches highlight care as a relational and collective practice that co-exists with caring for the environment and is rooted in equality and justice (Puig de la Bellacasa 2017). As such, communities of care are emerging as promising realm for bringing care into the public sphere. This study explores how communities of care form, what infrastructures support them and how design methods might active and sustain them. In short, we ask: What are ‘caring communities’, and how can design play a role in enabling and sustaining them?

Research in healthcare governance has shown that care has become increasingly professionalized, regulated and re-placed (Oldenhof, Postma and Bal, 2015). While this has led to more specialized services, it has also distanced care from local needs and everyday practices. In line with this, scholars in community development argue that traditional, place-based care structures often no longer meet people’s needs. Family ties and neighborhood bonds, once seen as reliable forms of support, do not always meet the needs of modern life. It is therefore essential to examine how people connect today, and what care means to them now and in the future. This asks for a shift beyond language and policy, towards emotional, embodied and spatial dimensions of care. Design-thinking can understand and evoke sensory experiences to deepen engagement within communities of care. Moreover, design practices can play a vital role by bridging formal healthcare systems and community initiatives.

Objectives: eHealth interventions favor those with higher socio-economic positions (SEPs). This can widen disparities, as people with lower SEPs may lack resources and face digital or financial barriers, making tailored solutions necessary. This study evaluates professionals' perceptions of the Inclusive eHealth Guide (IeG) regarding its content. The aim was to ensure it meets the needs of professionals and the targeted lower SEP demographic, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of eHealth interventions.

Methods: This mixed-method study used qualitative research through semi-structured interviews and the think-aloud method with 13 professionals involved in eight different eHealth lifestyle interventions using the eHealth guide. Quantitative feedback was obtained through a survey with evaluative multiple-choice questions. Participants evaluated the IeG at various stages. They identified positive aspects and points for improvement, and provided recommendations for the guide's content and structure.

Results: Participants valued the IeG's practicality and comprehensiveness, noting its usefulness in developing accessible eHealth solutions for populations with lower SEP. They suggested improving content clarity, expanding informational depth, and refining the guide's structure.

Conclusions: The IeG has potential as a valuable tool for professionals developing eHealth interventions for lower SEP populations. Continuous refinement is crucial to ensure the guide remains relevant and effective, contributing to reducing health disparities.

Background: Remote patient management (RPM) using smartphone-enabled health monitoring devices (SHMDs) can be an effective, value-added part of cardiovascular care. However, cardiac patients’ adherence to RPM is variable. Personas are fictional representations of users with common behaviors, needs, and motivation and can thereby help guide tailoring of interventions to be meaningful and possibly more effective. Personas can be used to understand the needs of the patient group and guide tailoring toward more personalized and effective eHealth intervention. Objective: The aim of this study was to develop data-driven personas for patients with myocardial infarction (MI) based on both quantitative and qualitative results. Methods: This study used a mixed methods design involving (1) database analysis of patients with MI (N=261) SHMD usage data (blood pressure [BP], weight, step count) over the course of a one-year care track and (2) semistructured interviews with patients with MI (N=16) currently using SHMDs. Overall, 12-month adherence rates were calculated based on the number of weeks patients performed the prescribed home measurements with the SHMDs. Results: A cluster analysis was conducted on the self-monitoring data resulting in four distinctive usage patterns labeled as stiff starting (low adherent in first 6 weeks: 13%, 34/261 of users), temporary persisting (decreasing adherence: 24%, 62/261), loyally persisting (continuously adherent: 26%, 68/261), and negligent quitting (nonadherent: 37%, 97/261). Health outcomes (BP, step count, and weight) were analyzed based on these patterns. More adherent usage patterns show better controlled BP when compared to less adherent usage patterns, suggesting that adherence is associated with health outcomes. Patient experiences regarding adherence or nonadherence to the RPM relating to the four distinctive usage patterns were uncovered by means of semistructured interviews, providing insight into adherence factors most relevant for each of the clusters. Thus, 4 distinct personas were developed by data collection (database analysis and semistructured interviews), persona segmentation, and persona creation, named Tamara, Sam, Peter, and Kim. Conclusions: This study identified 4 personas regarding adherence experiences and usage patterns of patients within an RPM care track. Adherent usage patterns were characterized by improved BP and step count. These personas can guide future tailoring of eHealth interventions to maximize patient adherence.

In this article we describe how designers can apply storytelling to reduce health-related stigmas. Stigma is a pervasive problem for people with illnesses, such as obesity, and it can persistently hinder coping, treatment, recovery, and prevention. Reducing health-related stigma is complex because it is multi-layered and self-perpetuating, leading to intertwined vicious circles. Interactive storytelling environments can break these vicious circles by delimiting the narrative freedom of stigma actors. We theoretically explain the potential of interactive storytelling environments to reduce stigma through the following seven functions: 1) expose participants to other perspectives, 2) provide a protective frame, 3) intervene in daily conversations, 4) persuade all stigma actors, 5) exchange alternative understandings, 6) elicit understanding and support for stigma victims, and 7) support stigma victims to cope with stigmatization. We elaborate on these functions through a demonstration of an interactive storytelling environment against weight stigma. In conclusion, this article is a call on designers for health and wellbeing, scientists, and practitioners from various disciplines to be sensitive to the pervasiveness of stigma and to collaboratively create destigmatizing storytelling environments.

Despite the growing potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in improving clinical decision making, patients' perspectives on the use of AI for their care decision making are underexplored. In this paper, we investigate patients' preferences towards the autonomy of AI in assisting healthcare decision making. We conducted interviews and an online survey using an interactive narrative and speculative AI prototypes to elicit participants' preferred choices of using AI in a pregnancy care context. The analysis of the interviews and in-story responses reveals that patients' preferences for AI autonomy vary per person and context, and may change over time. This finding suggests the need for involving patients in defining and reassessing the appropriate level of AI assistance for healthcare decision making. Departing from these varied preferences for AI autonomy, we discuss implications for incorporating patient-centeredness in designing AI-powered healthcare decision making.

Aims
Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) shows lower effectiveness and higher dropouts among people with a low socioeconomic position (SEP) compared to those with a high SEP. This study evaluated an eHealth intervention aimed at supporting patients with a low SEP during their waiting period preceding CR.

Methods and results
Participants with a low SEP in their waiting period before CR were randomized into an intervention group, receiving guidance videos, patient narratives, and practical tips, or into a control group. We evaluated adherence (usage metrics), acceptance (modified Usefulness, Satisfaction, and Ease of use questionnaire), and changes in feelings of certainty and guidance between the waiting period’s start and end. Semi-structured interviews provided complementary insights. The study involved 41 participants [median interquartile range (IQR) age 62 (14) years; 33 males], with 21 participants allocated to the intervention group, using the eHealth intervention for a median (IQR) duration of 16 (10) days, using it on a median (IQR) of 100% (25) of these days, and viewing 88% of the available messages. Key adherence themes were daily routine compatibility and curiosity. Acceptance rates were 86% for usability, 67% for satisfaction, and 43% for usefulness. No significant effects on certainty and guidance were observed, but qualitative data suggested that the intervention helped to inform and set expectations.

Conclusion
The study found the eHealth intervention feasible for cardiac patients with a low SEP, with good adherence, usability, and satisfaction. However, it showed no effect on feelings of certainty and guidance. Through further optimization of its content, the intervention holds promise to improve emotional resilience during the waiting period.

Registration
This trial is registered as follows: ‘Evaluation of a Preparatory eHealth Intervention to Support Cardiac Patients During Their Waiting Period (PReCARE)’ at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05698121).

This systematic review primarily aims to provide a summary of the game mechanics implemented in eHealth tools supporting young people’s self-management of their chronic diseases. This review secondarily investigates the rationale for implementing game mechanics and the effects of these tools. A systematic search was conducted in Embase, Medline, PsycINFO, and Web of Science, from inception until August 30, 2022. Studies were eligible if focus was on the utilization of gamification in eHealth self-management interventions for young people (age = 10-25 years) with chronic diseases. Primary quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-method studies written in English were included. We identified 34 eHealth tools, of which 20 (59%) were gamified tools and 14 (41%) were serious games. We found that 55 unique game mechanics were implemented. The most commonly used were rewards (50%), score (44%), creative control (41%), and social interaction (32%). In comparison with gamified tools, the number and diversity of game mechanics applied were higher in serious games. For most tools (85%), a general rationale was provided for utilizing gamification, which often was to promote engaging experiences. A rationale for using specific game mechanics was less commonly provided (only for 45% of the game mechanics). The limited availability of experimental research precludes to test the effectiveness of using gamification in eHealth to support self-management in young people with chronic diseases. In this study, we highlight the importance of reporting the rationale for utilizing specific game mechanics in eHealth tools to ensure a proper alignment with evidence-based practice and the need of conducting experimental research. PROSPERO: CRD42021293037.

Purpose: eHealth-based exercise therapies were developed to increase stroke patients’ adherence to home-based motor rehabilitation. However, these eHealth tools face a rapid decrease in use after a couple of weeks. This study investigates stroke patients’ motivation for home-based upper extremity rehabilitation with eHealth tools and their relation with Basic Psychological Needs. Materials and methods: This is a qualitative study using thematic analysis. We conducted semi-structured interviews with stroke patients with upper extremity motor impairments, who were discharged home from a rehabilitation centre, after they interacted with a novel eHealth coach demonstrator in their homes for five consecutive days. Results: We included ten stroke patients. Thematic analysis resulted in eight themes for home-based rehabilitation motivation: Curiosity, Rationale, Choice, Optimal challenge, Reference, Encouragement, Social Support and Trustworthiness. Those themes are embedded into three Basic Psychological Needs: “Autonomy”, “Competence”, and “Relatedness”. Conclusion: Eight motivational themes related to the three Basic Psychological Needs describe stroke patients’ motivation for home-based upper extremity rehabilitation. We recommend considering those themes when developing a home-based eHealth intervention for stroke patients to increase the alignment of eHealth tools to the patient’s needs and reduce motivational decreases in home-based rehabilitation.

eHealth solutions at home are gaining interest and relevance in healthcare; however, they face challenges in sustaining motivation for therapy due to difficulties in creating meaningful connections between technology and people receiving care. In this article, we explore how embodied agents in eHealth interventions could be designed to establish a motivating relationship with people in the context of home-based stroke rehabilitation. We studied this potential by referring to the need for social relatedness in Self-Determination-Theory (SDT) and how this translates to the design of embodied agents’ characters, the collaborations they afford and the partnerships they establish over time. In co-creative ideation sessions with stroke survivors, this potential was explored, resulting in an interactive prototype of ‘Edo the Coach’, i.e. an embodied agent for home-based upper extremity stroke rehabilitation that was evaluated by stroke survivors in their home contexts. Based on the insights gained, we reflect on the potential of using SDT for designing embodied agents that foster motivational relationships between patient and agent as an answer to the growing demand for eHealth-supported self-care within an increasingly digitized healthcare context.

Background: Current eHealth interventions are poorly adopted by people with low health literacy (LHL) as they often fail to meet their needs, skills, and preferences. A major reason for this poor adoption is the generic, one-size-fits-all approach taken by designers of these interventions, without addressing the needs, skills, and preferences of disadvantaged groups. Participatory design approaches are effective for developing interventions that fit the needs of specific target groups; yet, very little is known about the practical implications of executing a participatory design project for and with people with LHL. Objective: This study aimed to demonstrate the application of participatory design activities specifically selected to fit the needs and skills of people with LHL and how these were manifested within an overarching eHealth design process. In addition, the study aims to present reflections and implications of these activities that could support future designers to engage people with LHL in their design processes. Methods: We used the design process of a smart asthma inhaler for people with asthma and LHL to demonstrate participatory design activities. The study was framed under 5 stages of design thinking: empathize, define, ideate, prototype, and test within 2 major iteration cycles. We integrated 3 participatory design activities deemed specifically appropriate for people with LHL: co-constructing stories, experience prototype exhibition, and video prototype evaluation. Results: Co-constructing stories was found to deepen the understanding of the participant’s motivation to use or not to use maintenance medication. This understanding informed and facilitated the subsequent development of diverse preliminary prototypes of possible interventions. Discussing these prototypes in the experience prototype exhibition helped provoke reactions, thoughts, and feelings about the interventions, and potential scenarios of use. Through the video prototype evaluation, we were able to clearly communicate the goal and functionality of the final version of our intervention and gather appropriate responses from our participants. Conclusions: This study demonstrates a participatory design approach for and with patients with asthma and LHL. We demonstrated that careful consideration and selection of activities can result in participants that are engaged and feel understood. This paper provides insight into the practical implications of participatory activities with people with LHL and supports and inspires future designers to engage with this disadvantaged target group.

Background: Cardiovascular disease is one of the leading causes of disability worldwide. eHealth has the possibility to improve health outcomes and quality of life adjunct to regular care. “The Myocardial Infarction Box” (MI Box) is an at home monitoring system using smartphone-enabled health monitoring devices. However, like many eHealth interventions, the MI Box had variable adherence This variable adherence could be due to a misalignment with the needs of the users and the intervention. Through co-creation, this study aims to develop design strategies to enhance the effectiveness of the MI Box in the long term: to increase adherence in the first year and support MI patients in adopting a healthy lifestyle. Methods: Six iterative co-creation session were conducted with various stakeholders. One with designers and with healthcare professionals. Four sessions with users. In these sessions, the patient journey and patient personas were discussed to identify needs and opportunities for enhancements to the intervention. Furthermore, design strategies for enhancing the intervention, aiming both to optimize adherence and to stimulate a healthy lifestyle, were discussed. Findings: This resulted in themes such as personalized feedback, understanding the data, and regaining confidence in one’s own body to be key aspects to creating a more meaningful and personally relevant intervention. Discussion: Involving the stakeholders in co-creation sessions provides invaluable insights into the userexperiences and opportunities for personalization. Adapting the intervention to these needs is the next step to increase engagement with the intervention and thereby increase adherence.

Background: eHealth interventions have the potential to enhance health outcomes for people with a low socioeconomic position (SEP), but lack of knowledge on how to effectively meet the specific needs of this population can limit their effectiveness and widen the digital divide. Our study aimed to address this issue by developing an online guide for professionals (e.g., researchers and health professionals) to support the development and adaptation of eHealth interventions for people with low SEP. Methods: During the initial phase, we conducted two studies: (1) a Delphi study with professionals, identifying barriers to developing, evaluating, and implementing eHealth interventions (top-down), and (2) a communitybased study with people from low SEP, exploring their perspectives on health, healthcare, and eHealth (bottom-up). In the second phase, an iterative participatory process was used to develop the online guide, involving 11 professionals in think-aloud sessions and interviews to assess content and design acceptance. The presentation focuses on outcomes of this second phase. Findings: Professionals found the online guide to be user-friendly and helpful, particularly the recommendations on barriers, facilitators, and user scenarios. However, they requested more practical examples and engaging content. Discussion: This guide is an important contribution to addressing the knowledge gap in eHealth interventions for people with a low SEP and provides valuable information for professionals, whether they are new to the field or have experience. Future research should focus on enhancing the guide's usability and flexibility for its diverse audience, including healthcare practitioners, and other eHealth professionals working with this population.

Objective: eHealth interventions can improve the health outcomes of people with a low socioeconomic position (SEP) by promoting healthy lifestyle behaviours. However, developing and implementing these interventions among the target group can be challenging for professionals. To facilitate the uptake of effective interventions, this study aimed to identify the barriers and facilitators anticipated or experienced by professionals in the development, reach, adherence, implementation and evaluation phases of eHealth interventions for people with a low SEP. Method: We used a Delphi method, consisting of two online questionnaires, to determine the consensus on barriers and facilitators anticipated or experienced during eHealth intervention phases and their importance. Participants provided open-ended responses in the first round and rated statements in the second round. The interquartile range was used to calculate consensus, and the (totally) agree ratings were used to assess importance. Results: Twenty-seven professionals participated in the first round, and 19 (70.4%) completed the second round. We found a consensus for 34.8% of the 46 items related to highly important rated barriers, such as the lack of involvement of low-SEP people in the development phase, lack of knowledge among professionals about reaching the target group, and lack of knowledge among lower-SEP groups about using eHealth interventions. Additionally, we identified a consensus for 80% of the 60 items related to highly important rated facilitators, such as rewarding people with a low SEP for their involvement in the development phase and connecting eHealth interventions to the everyday lives of lower-SEP groups to enhance reach. Conclusion: Our study provides valuable insights into the barriers and facilitators of developing eHealth interventions for people with a low SEP by examining current practices and offering recommendations for future improvements. Strengthening facilitators can help overcome these barriers. To achieve this, we recommend defining the roles of professionals and lower-SEP groups in each phase of eHealth intervention and disseminating this study's findings to professionals to optimize the impact of eHealth interventions for this group.

Weight-related stigma’s have an negative health effect on the stigmatized. To reduce stigma, it is essential to create awareness and discuss the underlying beliefs and consequences. The problem is that people avoid talking and thinking about it. To solve this we designed a storytelling space by means of a game (‘Ball & Stick’) for community centres in vulnerable neighbourhoods. The game consists of a gameboard and a mobile application that verbally guides the players through the storytelling space by narrated stories and discussion tasks. During the game, the players are confronted with stigmatizing situations that people with obesity encounter. The stories used in the game were created by an iterative co-creative research-through-design method that alternated between collecting, reflecting upon, and adjusting stigma related stories. Study results at community centres (N = 22 in five groups) showed that all participants reported high or medium narrative transportation, (18) had personal similar experiences (19) indicated that the game raised their awareness, for (16) the game made it easier to talk about obesity and for (12) the game changed their attitude towards people with obesity. Our game demonstrated that interactive storytelling is a powerful tool to reach and motivate people to become aware and reflect upon and discuss stigmatizing behaviour. This is likely to be generalizable to other tabooand stigma-related subjects such as differences and inequality in gender, income, culture, immigration, religion, and mental health. Follow-up research is needed to set the next step from stigma awareness and discussion towards a behavioural change.

Objective: This study aimed to design a persuasive game, using objective adherence data, to motivate people with asthma to adhere to their medication regimen. Methods: A participatory user-centered design approach was employed, involving end-users and other stakeholders throughout the study. The approach consisted of four phases. Semi-structured interviews and a survey were conducted to understand user needs and reasons for poor adherence (Phase 1: define). Key themes were identified, leading to the formulation of behavior change strategies and design and game requirements. Several design directions were ideated, resulting in a concept for a serious game (Phase 2: ideate). Two rounds of user-tests were performed to evaluate a prototype of the serious game in terms of usability, perceived impact on medication adherence and motivation (Phase 3: prototype and Phase 4: evaluate). Results: Findings from semi-structured interviews (n = 6) and the online survey (n = 20) revealed that people’s non-adherence was often attributed to the perception of asthma as an episodic condition, the delayed experienced effect of maintenance inhalers, and lack of knowledge regarding difference of effect between maintenance and reliever inhalers. The study used behavior change strategies to translate these insights into design requirements for the development of the narrative-based persuasive game Ademgenoot. This six-week challenge-based game combines various behavior change strategies, including personal goal setting and continuous visual feedback, as well as persuasive game design elements, such as a narrative and rewards, with the aim of enhancing motivation to adhere to their medication regimen. User-testing (n = 8; round 1 and 2) showed that Ademgenoot is feasible in clinical practice and has the potential to support people with mild asthma in adherence to their maintenance medication. Discussion: Future efforts should be directed towards a larger evaluation to assess the impact on motivation and inhaler use behaviour. Plain Language Summary: The goal of this study was to create a serious game that encourages people with asthma to take their medication regularly. During the study, we worked closely with individuals who have asthma and other stakeholders throughout the study. We conducted interviews and surveys to understand why people have difficulties using their maintenance inhaler as prescribed by their doctor. Based on the feedback we received, we developed a serious game called “Ademgenoot”. The game uses information on inhaler use automatically collected with a device attached to the inhaler. The game includes features like personal goals and visual feedback on inhaler use to motivate users to take their medication consistently. We tested a prototype of the game with users to see if it was easy to use and if it motivated them to use their maintenance inhaler. The results showed that Ademgenoot is a viable option for helping individuals with mild asthma stay on track with their medication.

BACKGROUND: People with a low socioeconomic position (SEP) are less likely to benefit from eHealth interventions, exacerbating social health inequalities. Professionals developing eHealth interventions for this group face numerous challenges. A comprehensive guide to support these professionals in their work could mitigate these inequalities. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to develop a web-based guide to support professionals in the development, adaptation, evaluation, and implementation of eHealth interventions for people with a low SEP. METHODS: This study consisted of 2 phases. The first phase involved a secondary analysis of 2 previous qualitative and quantitative studies. In this phase, we synthesized insights from the previous studies to develop the guide's content and information structure. In the second phase, we used a participatory design process. This process included iterative development and evaluation of the guide's design with 11 professionals who had experience with both eHealth and the target group. We used test versions (prototypes) and think-aloud testing combined with semistructured interviews and a questionnaire to identify design requirements and develop and adapt the guide accordingly. RESULTS: The secondary analysis resulted in a framework of recommendations for developing the guide, which was categorized under 5 themes: development, reach, adherence, evaluation, and implementation. The participatory design process resulted in 16 requirements on system, content, and service aspects for the design of the guide. For the system category, the guide was required to have an open navigation strategy leading to more specific information and short pages with visual elements. Content requirements included providing comprehensible information, scientific evidence, a user perspective, information on practical applications, and a personal and informal tone of voice. Service requirements involved improving suitability for different professionals, ensuring long-term viability, and a focus on implementation. Based on these requirements, we developed the final version of "the inclusive eHealth guide." CONCLUSIONS: The inclusive eHealth guide provides a practical, user-centric tool for professionals aiming to develop, adapt, evaluate, and implement eHealth interventions for people with a low SEP, with the aim of reducing health disparities in this population. Future research should investigate its suitability for different end-user goals, its external validity, its applicability in specific contexts, and its real-world impact on social health inequality.

Health disparities between socio-economic classes are growing. While eHealth has been proposed as a potential solution, it often disproportionately benefits people with a higher socio-economic position (SEP) thereby exacerbating health disparities. We aimed to develop an eHealth intervention that supports specifically people with a low SEP during their waiting period between hospital referral and start of cardiac rehabilitation (CR). We followed a participatory design process in which we used a variety of participatory and inclusive design tools and techniques to identify needs of the target group and develop the intervention. 15 cardiac patients with a low SEP participated in the development (n = 8) and evaluation (n = 7) of the intervention. We found that patients with a low SEP require certainty and guidance during their waiting period. To address this, healthcare providers guide them through this transitional phase using multimedia resources in the eHealth intervention. This includes introductions of the healthcare providers and information about their roles, peer experiences, practical tips and daily updates on the remaining waiting time. The evaluation yielded high scores on usability (4.4 out of 5), experience (4.1 out of 5) and perceived effect on certainty and guidance (4.0 out of 5). This study explored how eHealth can bridge gaps between hospitals and CR and between high and low SEP. It emphasizes the significance of utilizing participatory and inclusive approaches to develop feasible and acceptable eHealth interventions for those with low SEP. Currently, follow-up evaluative research is conducted to determine the proof-of-principle of the intervention.