Human-Centered Design of Cadre: A Digital Platform to Support Cardiac Arrest (Co-)Survivorship

Life after sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) encompasses multifaceted challenges pertaining to the psychological, financial, lifestyle, and cognitive aspects of both the survivor and their family’s recovery. Current health services do not address their complex and evolving needs once they return home, leaving them to navigate (co-)survivorship on their own with limited support. In this study, we describe the process of developing user-centered requirements for a digital healthcare intervention, called Cadre. The goals were to address the limitations of equitably providing services and support to cardiac arrest survivors. In Phase I, user journey mapping and Scenario-Based Design methods, supported by Actor-Network Theory, were used to analyze focus group interview data and develop user personas and problem scenarios. Phase II involved the ideation of application features for Cadre. Phase I results include the emergence of a new theme – every cardiac arrest survivor experience is unique – and the creation of personas and scenarios that reflect this theme. The identified needs (validation, guidance, and lack of emotional support) were translated into a vision for Cadre that will be evaluated via iterative prototype development and usability testing in the future. This project addresses a critical opportunity in the field of SCA survivorship as it not only advances the design of a comprehensive support solution for survivors and their families but also represents a crucial move toward equitable post-discharge care for all.