Journal Article

Exploring needs and requirements for a prototype device measuring physical activity in pediatric physical therapy: A qualitative study

Bloemen, Manon A. T., Engelbert, Raoul H. H., Kloek, Corelien J. J., Sol, Marleen E., Kotte, Elles M. W., Gorter, Jan Willem, Engels, Barbara, Bolster, Eline A. M., Wittink, Harriët

2024

Overview

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. 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. 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. 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.

• Publisher: Public Library of Science,Public Library of Science (PLoS)
• Subject: Adolescent / Adolescents / Adult / Child / Children / Chronic illnesses / Decision making / Developmental disabilities / Developmental Disabilities - rehabilitation / Developmental Disabilities - therapy / Disability / Exercise / Female / Health aspects / Humans / Legislation / Male / Marketing research / Measuring instruments / Parents / Pediatrics / Physical activity / Physical Therapists / Physical therapy / Physical Therapy Modalities - instrumentation / Prototypes / Qualitative analysis / Qualitative Research / Shared decision making / Students / Teenagers / Therapeutics, Physiological