Coproduction and Usability of a Smartphone App for Falls Reporting in Parkinson Disease

Objective. The purpose of this study was to coproduce a smart-phone application for digital falls reporting in people with Parkinson disease (PD) and to determine usability using an explanatory mixed-methods approach. Methods. This study was undertaken in 3 phases. Phase 1 was the development phase, in which people with PD were recruited as co-researchers to the project. The researchers, alongside a project advisory group, coproduced the app over 6 months. Phase 2 was the implementation phase, in which 15 people with PD were invited to test the usability of the app. Phase 3 was the evaluation phase, in which usability was assessed using the systems usability scale by 2 focus groups with 10 people with PD from phase 2. Results. A prototype was successfully developed by researchers and the project advisory group. The usability of the app was determined as good (75.8%) by people with PD when rating using the systems usability scale. Two focus groups (n = 5 per group) identified themes of 1) usability, 2) enhancing and understanding management of falls, and 3) recommendations and future developments. Conclusions. A successful prototype of the iFall app was developed and deemed easy to use by people with PD. The iFall app has potential use as a self-management tool for people with PD alongside integration into clinical care and research studies. Impact. This is the first digital outcome tool to offer reporting of falls and near-miss fall events. The app may benefit people with PD by supporting self-management, aiding clinical decisions in practice, and providing an accurate and reliable outcome measure for future research. Lay Summary. A smartphone application designed in collaboration with people who have PD to record their falls was acceptable and easy to use by people with PD. Keywords: Accidental Falls, App, Co-Production, Digital Measurement Tool, Parkinson Disease, Usability
Introduction Parkinson disease (PD) is a common neurodegenerative disorder that presents with both motor and nonmotor impairments. Falls are common in people with PD, who are 2 to 4 times [...]