Exploring Needs and Requirements for a Prototype Device Measuring Physical Activity in Pediatric Physical Therapy: A Qualitative Study

Overview

Journal PLoS One

Specialties General Medicine
Science

Date 2024 Jun 25

PMID 38917177

Authors

Barbara Engels

Corelien J J Kloek

Marleen E Sol

Eline A M Bolster

Elles M W Kotte

Harriet Wittink

Raoul H H Engelbert

Jan Willem Gorter

Manon A T Bloemen

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Aims: To analyze needs and requirements of Pediatric Physical Therapists (PPTs), parents, children and adolescents with and without developmental disabilities in the future use of an activity monitor prototype (AM-p) in everyday clinical practice.

Methods: Qualitative exploratory study with a thematic analysis approach, based on Braun and Clarke's six steps. Codes derived from the analysis and central themes were collated, based on Fleuren et al.'s groupings of determinants.

Results: We interviewed 25 PPTs, 12 parents, and 12 children and adolescents. Within four groupings of determinants, we found nine themes: 1) development of information materials; 2) application: output visualization and ease of use; 3) design; 4) relevance and acceptance; 5) shared decision-making; 6) compatibility in daily living; 7) finances, 8) time, and 9) legislation and regulations.

Conclusions: End-users have similar basic needs, with individual fine-tuning to be addressed during further development of the AM-p. A child-friendly design, information material, and an easy-to-use application to read and interpret results, need to be developed. Efficient training for PPTs is important for the use of the AM-p and analysis of results. Communication between PPTs and children as well as parents enhances shared decision-making. We recommend involving diverse end-users to enable maximum customization of the AM-p.

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