Healthcare workers’ Expectations of the Dyna-Form SMARTresponse Application (HESA): A Qualitative study

Abstract

Purpose The transformation in the global demography and the shortages of healthcare workers requires innovation and efficiency in healthcare. The Dyna-Form SMARTresponse application is an example of Digital Technology, the application can be linked to a Mercury Advance Hybrid Mattress (Direct Healthcare Group, 2019). The goal of this application is to reduce the risk of pressure injuries by notifying healthcare workers about patient non-movement. Digital Technology has been studied comprehensively and according to previous research there is a mismatch between the available Digital Technology and the adoption of Digital Technology (Mathijssen et al., 2020). Currently it is unclear whether the Dyna-Form SMARTresponse application can adequately support healthcare workers in their daily practice. Consequently, a generic qualitative study investigating the expectations of healthcare workers of the Dyna-Form SMARTresponse application linked to the Mercury Advance mattress is needed. Method A generic qualitative study with healthcare workers was conducted between February and July 2022, using in-depth individual interviews and a focus group. The focus group provided interaction between the participants that is especially suitable for explorative research (Cyr, 2016). The individual in-depth interviews acknowledged the findings of the focus group and contributed to method-triangulation (Holloway & Wheeler, 2010). To address a semi-structured approach a topic-list was adopted. Interviews and the focus group were recorded and transcribed verbatim. Inductive thematic analysis according to Braun and Clarke (2006) was used to analyze the transcriptions. Data analysis was performed by two independent researchers to enhance credibility. Results and Discussion This study included 12 participants via purposive sampling and snowballing selection technique. Four major themes were identified: (1) Vision towards innovation; (2) Materials and resources involved; (3) Factors specifically related to SMARTresponse; and (4) Fit with healthcare-activities. Twelve factors were identified that could hamper or support the use of the Dyna-Form SMARTresponse application. A visualization regarding above-mentioned can be found in Figure 1. Findings from this qualitative study are reinforced by some components: (1) focus groups and individual interviews contributed to method-triangulation; (2) the constant comparison technique resulted in a thorough description regarding the aim of the study; and (3) member-checks and an expert validation enhanced trustworthiness of the findings. Although the population and occupational sites of the healthcare workers were heterogeneous, findings are not generalizable for home-care nursing. An association was observed between the findings of this study and another qualitative study concerning the adoption of digital technology (Leeuw de et al., 2020). Similarities were observed with the Diffusion of Innovation Theory (Kaminski, 2011). Before implementation regarding the Dyna-Form SMARTresponse application is commenced, there are preliminary conditions that need to be acquired. A guideline should provide the patient category or a specific ward in which the system will be suitable and healthcare workers need to engage with smartphones or tablets already. The Dyna-Form SMARTresponse application is expected to be feasible as preventive aide or as a replacement therapy considering a dynamic mattress.