Conceptualization of the Understanding of Participation and Co-Creation in Interdisciplinary Research Groups developing Digital Health Technology: An Exploratory Study: Conceptualization of the Understanding of Participation and Co-Creation

The healthcare sector's digital transformation necessitates the involvement of stakeholders through participation and co-creation processes. This study aims to investigate the understanding and implementation of participation and co-creation in the development of hybrid interaction technologies in healthcare. Eight interdisciplinary research projects were examined through semi-structured group interviews with 49 participants from academia, industry, and the application field. The interviews focused on participants' perspectives on project goals, user groups, access to the field, methods of participation and co-creation, and user motivation. The results highlight the diverse understandings of participation and co-creation, with some perceiving them as research-driven and others as already embedded in user-centered design. The projects emphasized user needs but often excluded stakeholders from collaborative decision-making. Challenges in achieving continuous involvement and co-decision were acknowledged. The findings underscore the need for reflexive practice and evaluation of participation and co-creation throughout the development process, as well as further research on participation across projects. By addressing these challenges and embracing participatory approaches, digital health applications can better address ethical concerns, build trust, and increase acceptance and adoption in the healthcare sector.