ICT-based support for the collaboration of formal and informal caregivers – A user-centered design study

Abstract

Given the demographic change and the resulting need for comprehensive care strategies, collaborative care plays an important role in ensuring care for everyone in need in the future. Despite the fact that collaboration software tools can significantly relieve caregivers by improving various work processes, their use in informal care networks has not yet become common practice. For this purpose, a mixed method user-centered design study including literature review, market research, system analysis, case studies as well as workshops and interviews were conducted. On the basis of this, the needs and requirements for mobile collaboration support were identified. The design of the requested application must strike the balance between the request for simple functionality and the diversity of information needed in order to offer an added value for all participants. © Springer International Publishing AG, part of Springer Nature 2018.