RehabApp to promote patient participation in the rehabilitation process after HIP replacement: Development and usability study

• Published in: International journal of orthopaedic and trauma nursing Vol. 54; p. 101119
• Main Authors: Gonçalves, Helena Isabel Teixeira, Ferreira, Marta Campos, Campos, Maria Joana, Fernandes, Carla Sílvia
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01-08-2024
• Subjects: Gamification; Healthcare technology; Hip Prosthesis; Mobile applications; Rehabilitation; Healthcare technology; Mobile applications; Rehabilitation; Gamification; Hip Prosthesis
• ISSN: 1878-1241
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijotn.2024.101119

This study aims to present the developmental stages of a Mobile App Prototype designed to enhance patient participation in the rehabilitation process after hip replacement.
To ensure effective interaction between the system and the end user, a User-Centered Design methodology was followed, encompassing three phases: Requirements gathering, Prototyping, and Evaluation. Usability tests were conducted to assess the usability of the developed system.
The RehabApp for mobile devices was created, and the testing results were positive. Users expressed satisfaction with the outcome, deeming it a valuable tool for their recovery. This outcome demonstrates the high receptiveness of these technologies in the healthcare sector, making it a project that can readily be expanded into other areas of rehabilitation.
This study demonstrated the potential of the RehabApp in the rehabilitation process after hip replacement surgery. This accomplishment was realized by ensuring the active participation of patients, potential users, and healthcare professionals throughout the app's development.
The RehabApp is a mobile application to provide users with all the necessary knowledge, enabling them to undergo a smoother and safer rehabilitation. Feedback from both patients and healthcare professionals played a crucial role in refining the app's features and addressing usability concerns.