Authors:
Matthias Maszuhn
;
Felix Jansen
;
Frerk Aschwege
and
Andreas Hein
Affiliation:
OFFIS e. V., Escherweg 2, Oldenburg, Germany
Keyword(s):
Fracture Aftercare, Physiotherapy Support, Mobile Health App, Human-Centered Design, Patient Compliance, Rehabilitation Technology, User Experience Questionnaire.
Abstract:
The rehabilitation process after fractures is crucial for achieving full recovery and maintaining patients’ quality of life, yet it faces growing obstacles due to demographic changes and healthcare resource shortages. This paper proposes a mobile app prototype for physiotherapy aftercare, integrating features like exercise assistance, load monitoring, and collaborative documentation to enhance patient support and accessibility. Employing a Human-Centered Design approach, requirements were gathered initially through a comprehensive literature review, followed by the creation of user personas. Final requirements were then refined through semi-structured interviews with physiotherapists and clinical staff. The prototype was subsequently evaluated in a user study with 16 participants using the Think-Aloud method and the User Experience Questionnaire (UEQ). Results indicated high user satisfaction with features such as education, exercise guidance, and progress tracking, though minor usab
ility improvements were identified. By providing real-time feedback, clear progress tracking, and personalized guidance, the app aims to improve patient compliance with rehabilitation protocols, ensuring more consistent engagement throughout the recovery process. Future iterations will focus on expanding functionality and validating the solution across diverse demographics, emphasizing its potential to significantly improve rehabilitation outcomes.
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