Although the value of patient and public involvement and engagement (PPIE) activities in the development of new interventions and tools is well known, little guidance exists on how to perform these ...activities in a meaningful way. This is particularly true within large research consortia that target multiple objectives, include multiple patient groups, and work across many countries. Without clear guidance, there is a risk that PPIE may not capture patient opinions and needs correctly, thereby reducing the usefulness and effectiveness of new tools. Mobilise-D is an example of a large research consortium that aims to develop new digital outcome measures for real-world walking in 4 patient cohorts. Mobility is an important indicator of physical health. As such, there is potential clinical value in being able to accurately measure a person's mobility in their daily life environment to help researchers and clinicians better track changes and patterns in a person's daily life and activities. To achieve this, there is a need to create new ways of measuring walking. Recent advancements in digital technology help researchers meet this need. However, before any new measure can be used, researchers, health care professionals, and regulators need to know that the digital method is accurate and both accepted by and produces meaningful outcomes for patients and clinicians. Therefore, this paper outlines how PPIE structures were developed in the Mobilise-D consortium, providing details about the steps taken to implement PPIE, the experiences PPIE contributors had within this process, the lessons learned from the experiences, and recommendations for others who may want to do similar work in the future. The work outlined in this paper provided the Mobilise-D consortium with a foundation from which future PPIE tasks can be created and managed with clearly defined collaboration between researchers and patient representatives across Europe. This paper provides guidance on the work required to set up PPIE structures within a large consortium to promote and support the creation of meaningful and efficient PPIE related to the development of digital mobility outcomes.
Abstract
Blue-collar workers are generally more susceptible to specific health conditions such as musculoskeletal disorders, among which back pain is a significant problem for older workers. This ...study presents the design of a smart insole system developed as a part of the research and the practicality of its use in the construction industry, including an evaluation of its benefits and limitations. Pressure sensors in the soles generate heatmaps that allow us to identify incorrect posture using an adaptable Artificial Intelligence lifting engine. The data is used to evaluate the lifting actions in real-time and preemptively warn the individuals. Using the principles of participatory design as a starting point, the pilot phase, and testing of the solution, the pre-use survey was conducted among construction workers to understand their experience while interacting with the solution. The user testing period was followed by the feedback and evaluation period, which included getting informal feedback on the system. While it has shown the promise of a new solution, it still needs improved robustness and simpler instructions. Some minor technical challenges must be addressed before moving to the commercial stage. The results are used to evaluate further, improve the system, and make decisions in the product design.
