As part of the TeleRehaB project, which aims to deliver advanced digital solutions for fall prevention, patient involvement is key to ensuring our tools are relevant, accessible, and user-friendly. To this end, a focus group was conducted with 53 people living with Long-COVID, organised by the Health Innovation Network South London team.
A Patient-Centred Session
The online session was structured into breakout rooms, each addressing two key areas: the recruitment materials for the clinical trial and the documentation explaining the exercise protocols. This set-up allowed us to collect first-hand impressions on the clarity, usefulness, and presentation of the materials.
Key Findings: Recruitment Materials
Participants unanimously found the email and poster clear and well-designed, but also provided constructive suggestions to enhance accessibility and engagement:
- Increase font size and use more visuals and colour to improve readability.
- Include QR codes to enable easy digital access.
- Use British spelling consistently.
- Provide additional details regarding hospital visit duration, potential risks, medication compatibility, and any available compensation.
These suggestions are being actively considered to ensure all potential participants receive clear, inclusive, and confidence-inspiring information.
Feedback on the Exercise Protocols
Feedback on the therapeutic exercises was generally positive, particularly in terms of their suitability for individuals experiencing persistent symptoms such as fatigue and brain fog. However, participants also identified several challenges:
- Include audio versions and videos to support understanding.
- Simplify the language and reduce text length for easier comprehension.
- Offer guidance or assistance to support motivation and correct execution.
- Provide practical advice for preparing the environment and managing energy levels.
- Consider gamification strategies to encourage adherence and engagement.
These recommendations reinforce the importance of developing person-centred interventions that are both clinically effective and tailored to real-life user needs.
Committed to User-Centred Innovation
The TeleRehaB team is deeply grateful to all participants for their time and invaluable feedback. Their voices are directly shaping improvements to our digital solution, helping us ensure it is not only clinically robust but also intuitive, reassuring, and human.
