ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Digital interventions are increasingly popular for the provision of nonpharmacological pain interventions, but few exist for adolescents with menstrual pain. User-centered design involves incorporating users across phases of digital health intervention design, development, and implementation and leads to improved user engagement and outcomes. A needs assessment is the first step of this approach. OBJECTIVE: The goal of this study was to conduct a needs assessment to understand menstrual pain management needs and preferences and mindfulness experiences, preferences, and knowledge of adolescents with menstrual pain to inform the future development of an app for managing menstrual pain. METHODS: We used an explanatory sequential mixed method design that included a survey followed by focus groups. Adolescents aged 13-17 years completed a survey (n=111) and participated in focus groups (n=16). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and thematic content analysis and synthesized to provide specific recommendations based on adolescent responses. RESULTS: Adolescents (n=111) who completed the survey reported a moderate understanding of mindfulness and menstrual pain. Over three-quarters (n=87, 78%) of participants practiced some form of mindfulness and 87% (n=97) of survey participants used nonpharmacological pain management strategies. Teens had a moderate perception that mindfulness could help their menstrual pain (mean 4.51/10, SD 2.45, with higher scores suggesting more interest). Themes were generated related to mindfulness experiences, menstrual pain knowledge and experiences, and app functionality. These themes underscored adolescents' need for continued support and flexible access to mindfulness activities; their awareness of multiple influences to pain, with potential for further education in this area; and the need for menstrual pain-specific content, along with content relevant to typical day-to-day experiences of adolescents. CONCLUSIONS: Adolescents with menstrual pain have an interest in using a mindfulness app for pain but have unique needs that need to be addressed to ensure app engagement and relevance for this population. Concrete recommendations for future app development are provided.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: What is the role of nursing in the digital health transformation of the 21st century? The answer to this critical question may rely on how prepared nursing is to enter into design processes associated with this evolution. AIMS: The purpose of this paper is to introduce foundational terminology and tools to support increased nursing participation in user-centred design. Situated within a six-step design process, this includes a new analytic framework combining the disciplinary expertise of computer science with the nursing methodology Interpretive Description. METHODS: The analytic framework and recommended research process were developed over the course of two projects each employing a similar collaborative mixed-methods design. Primary methodological drivers were drawn from the software development life-cycle and Interpretive Description in these digital health intervention studies. RESULTS: Using aspects of software development practice, an analytic framework was conceived as part of an interdisciplinary research process allowing nurses to integrate their disciplinary expertise in user-centred digital design. The framework allows nurses to parse collected data into a robust set of functional and non-functional requirements for software developers while still engaging in a fulsome interpretive analysis. CONCLUSION: There is a need for nursing to occupy a more significant role in the advancement of technology innovation in healthcare. However, a lack of familiarity with design-thinking and associated practical experience impedes nursing voices in this area. Tools and processes are introduced to enhance an existing nursing methodology as a means to extend our disciplinary design capacity.
ABSTRACT
The rapid integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into healthcare delivery has not only provided a glimpse into an enhanced digital future but also raised significant concerns about the social and ethical implications of this evolution. Nursing leaders have a critical role to play in advocating for the just and effective use of AI health solutions. To fulfill this responsibility, nurses need information on the widespread reach of AI and, perhaps more importantly, how the development, deployment and evaluation of these technologies can be influenced.
