Rodriguez NM, Balian L, Tolliver C, Kataki I, Jesus JRD, Linnes JC. Human-centered design of a smartphone-based self-test for HIV viral load monitoring.
J Clin Transl Sci 2023;
7:e262. [PMID:
38229894 PMCID:
PMC10790236 DOI:
10.1017/cts.2023.686]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Revised: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Background/Objective
HIV viral load self-testing could enable people living with HIV (PLHIV) to monitor their viral suppression status more easily, potentially facilitating medication adherence and safe behavior decision-making. Smartphone-based viral load testing innovations have the potential to reach resource-limited and vulnerable communities to address inequities in access to HIV care. However, successful development and translation of these tests requires meaningful investigation of end-user contexts and incorporation of those context-specific needs early in the design process. The objective of this study is to engage PLHIV and HIV healthcare providers in human-centered design research to inform key design and implementation considerations for a smartphone-based HIV viral load self-testing device prototype in development.
Methods
Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with PLHIV (n = 10) and HIV providers (n = 4) in Indiana, a state with suboptimal viral suppression rates and marked disparities in access to HIV care. Interview guides were developed based on contextual investigation and human-centered design frameworks and included a demonstration of the device prototype with feedback-gathering questions.
Results
Thematic analysis of interview transcripts revealed important benefits, concerns, and user requirements for smartphone-based HIV VL self-testing within the context of PLHIV lived experience, knowledge, and barriers to care in Indiana.
Conclusion
End-user needs and preferences were identified as key design specifications and implementation considerations to facilitate the acceptability and inform ongoing development and ultimately real-world translation of the HIV VL monitoring device prototype.
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