Co-design and prototype development of MedManageSCI: a medication self-management toolkit for adults with spinal cord injury/dysfunction

Abstract Background Medications are among the most common health interventions, with certain populations, such as individuals with spinal cord injury/dysfunction (SCI/D), commonly prescribed multiple medications. Consequently, adults with SCI/D often engage in activities related to medication self-m...

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Main Authors: Lauren Cadel, Rasha El-Kotob, Sander L. Hitzig, Lisa M. McCarthy, Shoshana Hahn-Goldberg, Tanya L. Packer, Tejal Patel, Stephanie R. Cimino, Aisha K. Lofters, Chester H. Ho, Maliha Asif, Sara J.T. Guilcher
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: BMC 2025-04-01
Series:BMC Health Services Research
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Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-025-12705-w
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author Lauren Cadel
Rasha El-Kotob
Sander L. Hitzig
Lisa M. McCarthy
Shoshana Hahn-Goldberg
Tanya L. Packer
Tejal Patel
Stephanie R. Cimino
Aisha K. Lofters
Chester H. Ho
Maliha Asif
Sara J.T. Guilcher
author_facet Lauren Cadel
Rasha El-Kotob
Sander L. Hitzig
Lisa M. McCarthy
Shoshana Hahn-Goldberg
Tanya L. Packer
Tejal Patel
Stephanie R. Cimino
Aisha K. Lofters
Chester H. Ho
Maliha Asif
Sara J.T. Guilcher
author_sort Lauren Cadel
collection DOAJ
description Abstract Background Medications are among the most common health interventions, with certain populations, such as individuals with spinal cord injury/dysfunction (SCI/D), commonly prescribed multiple medications. Consequently, adults with SCI/D often engage in activities related to medication self-management, but there are few comprehensive resources for this population. The objective of this study was to co-design the prototype of a toolkit to support medication self-management among adults with SCI/D. Methods We conducted a participatory multi-methods study, using the Good Things Foundation Pathfinder Model as a guide for the co-design process. Participants included adults with SCI/D, caregivers, and healthcare providers. Following the model’s three stages, we: (1) understood and defined the problem by conducting a scoping review, concept mapping study, and working group sessions; (2) created a prototype of the toolkit through working group sessions and website development meetings; and (3) tested the prototype through working group sessions. Results The working group consisted of 19 individuals, including 9 adults with SCI/D, 1 caregiver, and 9 healthcare providers. In Stage 1, we identified the need for a comprehensive medication self-management resource through a scoping review, brainstormed content and delivery methods, and thematized and prioritized the content into eight categories through a concept mapping study. The concept mapping study included 44 participants, including 21 adults with SCI/D, 11 caregivers, and 12 healthcare providers. In Stage 2, feedback on the content mapped onto five categories: first impressions, message and purpose, visual elements, layout and flow, and graphics. The name, MedManageSCI, was selected by the working group. Through an iterative process with the website development company, an online version of the toolkit prototype was created ( www.medmanagesci.ca ). In Stage 3, participants provided recommendations to improve the website’s functionality and navigation. Conclusions The co-design of the MedManageSCI prototype is a significant step toward addressing the medication self-management needs of adults with SCI/D. The implications of this work extend beyond SCI/D, highlighting the importance of tailored digital health resources for populations with complex healthcare needs. Future work is needed to refine the content, assess the feasibility, acceptability, and appropriateness of the toolkit, and examine outcomes related to medication self-management.
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spelling doaj-art-c925c2a18afe483daf5f2f7f7eae73522025-08-20T03:14:05ZengBMCBMC Health Services Research1472-69632025-04-0125111510.1186/s12913-025-12705-wCo-design and prototype development of MedManageSCI: a medication self-management toolkit for adults with spinal cord injury/dysfunctionLauren Cadel0Rasha El-Kotob1Sander L. Hitzig2Lisa M. McCarthy3Shoshana Hahn-Goldberg4Tanya L. Packer5Tejal Patel6Stephanie R. Cimino7Aisha K. Lofters8Chester H. Ho9Maliha Asif10Sara J.T. Guilcher11Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of TorontoLeslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of TorontoSt. John’s Rehab Research Program, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Sunnybrook Health Sciences CentreLeslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of TorontoLeslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of TorontoSchools of Occupational Therapy and Health Administration, Dalhousie UniversitySchool of Pharmacy, University of WaterlooLawson Research Institute, St. Joseph’s HealthcareDalla Lana School of Public Health, University of TorontoDivision of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Department of Medicine, University of AlbertaLeslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of TorontoLeslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of TorontoAbstract Background Medications are among the most common health interventions, with certain populations, such as individuals with spinal cord injury/dysfunction (SCI/D), commonly prescribed multiple medications. Consequently, adults with SCI/D often engage in activities related to medication self-management, but there are few comprehensive resources for this population. The objective of this study was to co-design the prototype of a toolkit to support medication self-management among adults with SCI/D. Methods We conducted a participatory multi-methods study, using the Good Things Foundation Pathfinder Model as a guide for the co-design process. Participants included adults with SCI/D, caregivers, and healthcare providers. Following the model’s three stages, we: (1) understood and defined the problem by conducting a scoping review, concept mapping study, and working group sessions; (2) created a prototype of the toolkit through working group sessions and website development meetings; and (3) tested the prototype through working group sessions. Results The working group consisted of 19 individuals, including 9 adults with SCI/D, 1 caregiver, and 9 healthcare providers. In Stage 1, we identified the need for a comprehensive medication self-management resource through a scoping review, brainstormed content and delivery methods, and thematized and prioritized the content into eight categories through a concept mapping study. The concept mapping study included 44 participants, including 21 adults with SCI/D, 11 caregivers, and 12 healthcare providers. In Stage 2, feedback on the content mapped onto five categories: first impressions, message and purpose, visual elements, layout and flow, and graphics. The name, MedManageSCI, was selected by the working group. Through an iterative process with the website development company, an online version of the toolkit prototype was created ( www.medmanagesci.ca ). In Stage 3, participants provided recommendations to improve the website’s functionality and navigation. Conclusions The co-design of the MedManageSCI prototype is a significant step toward addressing the medication self-management needs of adults with SCI/D. The implications of this work extend beyond SCI/D, highlighting the importance of tailored digital health resources for populations with complex healthcare needs. Future work is needed to refine the content, assess the feasibility, acceptability, and appropriateness of the toolkit, and examine outcomes related to medication self-management.https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-025-12705-wSpinal cord injurySpinal cord dysfunctionMedication self-managementCo-designToolkitSelf-management
spellingShingle Lauren Cadel
Rasha El-Kotob
Sander L. Hitzig
Lisa M. McCarthy
Shoshana Hahn-Goldberg
Tanya L. Packer
Tejal Patel
Stephanie R. Cimino
Aisha K. Lofters
Chester H. Ho
Maliha Asif
Sara J.T. Guilcher
Co-design and prototype development of MedManageSCI: a medication self-management toolkit for adults with spinal cord injury/dysfunction
BMC Health Services Research
Spinal cord injury
Spinal cord dysfunction
Medication self-management
Co-design
Toolkit
Self-management
title Co-design and prototype development of MedManageSCI: a medication self-management toolkit for adults with spinal cord injury/dysfunction
title_full Co-design and prototype development of MedManageSCI: a medication self-management toolkit for adults with spinal cord injury/dysfunction
title_fullStr Co-design and prototype development of MedManageSCI: a medication self-management toolkit for adults with spinal cord injury/dysfunction
title_full_unstemmed Co-design and prototype development of MedManageSCI: a medication self-management toolkit for adults with spinal cord injury/dysfunction
title_short Co-design and prototype development of MedManageSCI: a medication self-management toolkit for adults with spinal cord injury/dysfunction
title_sort co design and prototype development of medmanagesci a medication self management toolkit for adults with spinal cord injury dysfunction
topic Spinal cord injury
Spinal cord dysfunction
Medication self-management
Co-design
Toolkit
Self-management
url https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-025-12705-w
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