Co-design process of a digital return-to-work solution for people with common mental disorders: a qualitative study (Preprint)

Abstract

To the detriment of service users, stakeholders have not previously had the opportunity to influence the design of their healthcare or be involved in mental health and return-to-work (RTW) research. Co-design of digital RTW solutions is thus vital to create acceptable and engaging interventions that are useful for those receiving or providing them. mWorks is a digital RTW solution for people with common mental disorders.

To describe stakeholder perceptions of a co-design process during prototype development of mWorks.

A co-design approach was used in the development of mWorks. Eighty-one stakeholders participated in the iterative co-design process, including service users, RTW professionals, employers, digital design and system developers, the public, and researchers. Multiple data sources from seven iterations were analyzed with content analysis.

Stakeholders highlighted the importance of enabling service users to self-manage by delivering supplementary support to traditional services and a place to identify the surrounding RTW support network. This is reflected by the categories. Additional crucial aspects included development of strategies of empowerment (to aid against self-stigma and mental health issues), foster control, identify strengths, and formulate a positive self-narrative to disrupt negative mindsets. While testing the alpha and beta prototypes, stakeholders stressed that mWorks needs to be warm and welcoming, understandable and intuitive, offer clear guidance, and provide motivational and goal setting strategies.

: Stakeholder experience-based knowledge asserts that mWorks needs to empower service users by providing them with a personal support tool. To enhance RTW prospects, a digital tool should engage users in a meaningful manner while focusing on their strengths and available resources.