Participants found the co-designed digital platform for managing modifiable risk factors in atrial fibrillation usable (median SUS 78.8) and specifically valued a clear layout, positive content, personalized information, and individualized medical recommendations.
The co-designed digital platform achieved high usability ratings among patients with atrial fibrillation.
Participants' requirements for the platform were summarized into 4 main categories and 10 subcategories.
Participants valued a clear layout, simple design, and easy navigation.
Participants appreciated positive content that is informative, inclusive, and motivating.
Participants requested personalized information on different aspects and provided at different levels.
Participants desired individualized medical recommendations that are personalized and flexible but leave room for individual choice.
The study sample was mostly male, middle-aged to older, with common cardiovascular comorbidities.
This study tested a digital platform designed with input from patients to help people with atrial fibrillation (AF, a common heart rhythm disorder) manage factors they can change, such as blood pressure, weight, and other health conditions. Guidelines recommend this kind of person-centered care, but many patients don't get enough support for it. Twenty-two patients at a Swedish university hospital tried the platform, rated it with a standard usability questionnaire, and were interviewed about their experience. The platform scored well, with a median usability score of 78.8, which is above average. In interviews, patients said they liked a clear, simple layout with easy navigation, and positive content that was informative, inclusive, and motivating. They also wanted information personalized to them and offered at different levels of detail, plus medical recommendations that were tailored and flexible while leaving room for their own choices. This research suggests that digital tools for AF risk factor management may be acceptable to patients if they are simple, positive, and personalized. The study was small, short, and conducted at one hospital with mostly male participants, and it tested usability rather than whether the platform improves health outcomes. Further work would be needed to know whether it helps patients manage their risk factors in practice.
Klavebäck S, Braunschweig F, Lidin M, Svennberg E. (2026). Co-Designing a Digital Platform for the Management of Modifiable Risk Factors and Comorbidities in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation: Mixed Methods Usability Study.. JMIR human factors. https://doi.org/10.2196/95810