Design for Multi-Dimensional Stages of Lymphoedema Self-Management

Abstract

This study investigates the experience of people with the chronic medical condition lymphoedema, to inform the design of new products. Articles from literature that describe lived lymphoedema experiences are thematically synthesised from a behavioural lens. People with lymphoedema go through stages toward achieving levels of expertise, motivation and routine, to maintain effective self-management in the long-term. A preliminary framework is proposed that presents four themes (competence, autonomy, daily routine and socio-psychological) and their stages. The purpose of the framework is to assist designers in understanding how people with lymphoedema experience self-management. Focusing on facilitating a transition through these multi-dimensional stages is suggested as a means to aid the design of supportive health products. Related design implementations are discussed through product examples. This framework is developed as part of a wider research project, where the following stages will be concerned with refinement of the framework through primary research with people with lymphoedema and their healthcare providers. design for self-management; lymphoedema; chronic conditions; health and wellbeing Dr Dominic Eggbeer has fifteen years' experience of Research and Innovation projects that aim to improve design performance within both public and private sector organisations on subjects around Patient Specific Medical Device Design, User Centred Design and Advanced Manufacturing Technologies. Prof. Andrew Walters has eighteen years' experience of Research and Innovation projects that aim to improve design performance within both public and private sector organisations on subjects around Product Design, Service Design, User Centred Design, Design Management and Design Policy.

Uncovering self-management needs to better design for people living with lymphoedema

“…A framework previously developed by Kopanoglu, Eggbeer, and Walters (2018) that presents a multidimensional behaviour change towards self-management of lymphoedema was used in the thematic analysis of this study. The framework was developed by analysing the literature about the experience of lymphoedema selfmanagement and correlating behaviour change theories (Kopanoglu, Eggbeer, and Walters 2018). It draws heavily on the Stages of Change model of Prochaska and DiClemente (1983) and Self-Determination theory of Ryan and Deci (2000).…”