CHALLENGES IN USER INVOLVEMENT IN OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY PRODUCT- AND SERVICE DEVELOPMENT

Background: Development of products and interventions/services for client-groups is often driven by research and development and not by clients themselves. In the past, it has often been stated that users should take part in... [ view full abstract ]

Background:
Development of products and interventions/services for client-groups is often driven by research and development and not by clients themselves. In the past, it has often been stated that users should take part in all steps of development (Crawford et al, 2002). This has many advantages: products and services are developed to meet an actual need; design is made for the target group etc. However user involvement bears challenges: reaching and recruiting the target group is difficult etc. This presentation will introduce methods of involving user groups into development and discuss advantages and challenges.
Method:
Expert-group discussion with researchers working in research and development at Zurich University of Applied Sciences.
Results:
Client-groups are hard to reach especially if they face serious health complaints. They often express difficulties to anticipate future needs and (technical) solutions. Main advantage is that pitfalls in development can be avoided and products are more likely to meet a need and user acceptance.
Conclusion:
The involvement of relatives and professionals additionally to client-groups is advisable where client-groups may be overwhelmed with project participation. The special situation of clients has to be accounted for in planning, development and testing.
Application to Practice:
User involvement is important in development of products and services in Occupational Therapy and follows the principle of client centeredness.
References:
Crawford, M. J., Rutter, D., Manley, C., Weaver, T., Bhui, K., Fulop, N., & Tyrer, P. (2002). Systematic review of involving patients in the planning and development of health care. Bmj, 325(7375), 1263.