The COVID-19 pandemic has amplified the need for innovative approaches to support the mental health and well-being of young people. The research article "Adaptation of ACTivate Your Wellbeing, a Digital Health and Well-being Program for Young Persons: Co-design Approach" provides valuable insights for practitioners aiming to improve their skills and outcomes for children. By implementing the findings from this study, practitioners can enhance their digital intervention strategies and encourage further research in this critical area.
Key Findings from the Research
The study aimed to adapt an existing health and well-being website for young persons aged 16 to 24 years. The research employed a three-staged participatory, co-design approach, involving young persons in the review, co-creation, and formative evaluation of the updated program. The results revealed that young persons actively engaged with the participatory design process, leading to the creation of new content, scenarios, images, and an updated user dashboard.
Stages of the Co-design Approach
- Stage 1: Participants reviewed the existing program and provided feedback. The website was found appealing by 79% of the participants, and focus group discussions identified key areas for updates and adaptations.
- Stage 2: Co-design workshops led to the creation of 36 outputs, including a new name, content, scenarios, images, and an updated user dashboard. The workshops facilitated active collaboration among participants, ensuring that the updates met their preferences.
- Stage 3: Formative evaluation with 40 participants showed differences in engagement and well-being scores. The completion rate was higher in the 3-week duration group, and well-being scores improved after the intervention.
Implementing the Research Findings
Practitioners can leverage the findings from this research to enhance their digital health interventions. Here are some actionable steps:
- Engage Target Audience: Involve young persons in the design and development of digital interventions to ensure the content is relevant and engaging.
- Use Participatory Design: Adopt a co-design approach to create content that resonates with the target audience. This method can increase engagement and adherence to the program.
- Monitor and Evaluate: Implement formative evaluations to assess the effectiveness of the interventions and make necessary adjustments based on feedback.
Encouraging Further Research
The study highlights the importance of continued research in digital health interventions. Practitioners are encouraged to explore further research opportunities to refine and enhance their intervention strategies. By staying informed about the latest research and integrating evidence-based practices, practitioners can significantly improve outcomes for children and young persons.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Adaptation of ACTivate Your Wellbeing, a Digital Health and Well-being Program for Young Persons: Co-design Approach.
