Qualitative evaluation by community health professionals of a technology design for recording and mobilizing patient reported care narratives

Shehnaz Fatima Lakha; Stephanie Sarmiento; Peter Pennefather; Nancy Purdy; Paul Holyoke; Deborah Fels

doi:10.1177/20552076251350932

Qualitative evaluation by community health professionals of a technology design for recording and mobilizing patient reported care narratives

Digit Health. 2025 Jun 25:11:20552076251350932. doi: 10.1177/20552076251350932. eCollection 2025 Jan-Dec.

Authors

Shehnaz Fatima Lakha^{1

2}, Stephanie Sarmiento³, Peter Pennefather^{4

5}, Nancy Purdy⁶, Paul Holyoke⁷, Deborah Fels¹

Affiliations

¹ Toronto Metropolitan University, Inclusive Media and Design Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
² University of Toronto, Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
³ Toronto Metropolitan University, Inclusive Media and Design Centre, Daphne Cockwell School of Nursing School, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
⁴ University of Toronto, Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
⁵ gDial Inc, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
⁶ Toronto Metropolitan University, Daphne Cockwell School of Nursing, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
⁷ SE Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Abstract

Introduction: Gaps in the health system make it difficult for older adults to have their communication needs and wants heard for that necessary communication to happen. In this study, we investigate attitudes of community-based healthcare professionals (HCPs) regarding the potential utility of a digital technology platform. This platform was designed to enable older adults receiving HCP services in a community setting to provide qualitative narrative impressions and evaluations of their needs and how these needs were addressed by the services. MyHealthMyRecord (MHMR) technology is being designed to provide a digital video-scrapbook for recording and sharing healthcare-related information, observation, and qualitative narratives.

Methods: HCPs were recruited in collaboration with SE Health, a large community-care provider based in Toronto, Canada. Using a user-centered and inclusive design approach, HCPs in community care were asked to comment on the use of the MHMR platform by their patients and to examine a platform prototype. Each session, which lasted approximately 60 min, involved a 40-min semistructured face-to-face interview, followed by a demonstration of the system. Data were analyzed using the Consensual Qualitative Research analysis.

Results: A convenience sample of 7 HCPs, all comfortable with digital technology, participated in the study. The analysis identified 11 themes, with all participants recognizing the value of the MHMR platform in enhancing their capacity to provide services, particularly in tracking to relevant events between patients' visits.

Conclusions: The HCPs appreciated how the MHMR platform could be used to enhance community health service delivery through valid, reliable, and responsive Person/Patient-Reported Outcomes. It was appreciated that such data could be useful in improving community care experiences while also being useful at a system-wide learning level.

Keywords: Older adults; community; health care providers; narrative outcome; patient-reported outcome.