Empowering cardiac patients with low SEP through eHealth

Preparing for rehabilitation during their waiting period

Abstract (2023)

Authors

J.S. Faber Design Aesthetics - IDE
Isra Al-Dhahir Universiteit Leiden
J.J. Kraal Applied Ergonomics and Design - IDE
L. Breeman Universiteit Leiden
T. Reijnders Universiteit Leiden
A.W.M. Evers Universiteit Leiden, Applied Ergonomics and Design - IDE
Niels Chavannes National eHealth Living Lab, Leiden University Medical Center
R. van den Berg-Emons University Medical Centre Rotterdam
V.T. Visch Design Aesthetics - IDE
Research Group
Design Aesthetics (IDE) (TU Delft)
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Published Date

2023

Language

English

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Faculty

Industrial Design Engineering

Department

Human-Centered Design

Research Group

Design Aesthetics

Abstract

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.