About the Our Digital Health project
Phase one: Developing the measure
The first phase focused on creating a way to understand and measure digital health participation for people with learning disabilities.
We began by reviewing existing tools and speaking with people with intellectual disabilities and their carers in focus groups.
This helped us draft an accessible survey that uses clear visuals and easy-to-understand language.
After piloting a draft version, we incorporated feedback from individuals, carers, and experts to refine the survey and ensure it would work well for people with learning disabilities.
Phase two: Longitudinal survey study
The next phase involves 400 people with learning disabilities completing the survey at two different points, six months apart.
This approach will help us track any changes in how people engage with digital health over time.
We will also survey a comparison group of people without disabilities to highlight any differences in digital health access and participation.
This phase aims to reveal key factors that influence digital health use and overall wellbeing.
Phase three: Digital diary study
In the third phase, a smaller group of 40 participants from the survey will use tablets to keep digital diaries over five months.
With these digital diaries, participants can log their everyday experiences with technology for health and wellbeing, helping us see how they interact with digital health in their daily lives.
Weekly check-ins by the research team will provide these participants with individual support and allow them to share their experiences in real-time.
Phase four: Solution-focused workshops
The final phase will bring together participants, carers, and other stakeholders in workshops to review our findings and work collaboratively on solutions.
These workshops will lead to the development of publicly available resources, including guidance documents, digital health stories, and interactive materials.