Journal Article Ahead of print
PubMed: 41904958 DOI: 10.1080/17483107.2026.2648864
A multi‑stakeholder preliminary needs assessment to inform the co‑design of a digital telerehabilitation tool for children and adolescents with ADHD.
Disabil Rehabil Assist Technol
Authors: Marina Rivas-García, Carmen Vidal-Ramírez, Marta Mora-Traverso, Abel Toledano-González, María Del Carmen Rodríguez-Martínez, Esther Molina-Torres, José-Antonio Marín-Marín, José-Matías Triviño-Juárez, Miguel Gea-Mejías, Dulce Romero-Ayuso
Affiliations
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Granada, Granada, Spain. Hospital Universitario San Cecilio, Granada, Spain.
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Granada, Granada, Spain.
- University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain.
- Department of Psychology, University of Castilla-La Mancha, Ciudad Real, Spain.
- Departament of Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy Division, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Malaga, Málaga, Spain.
- Specialized Educational Guidance Team of Granada, Department of Educational Development and Vocational Training, Andalusian Government, Granada, Spain.
- Department of Didactics and School Organization, Faculty of Science Education, University of Granada, Granada, Spain.
- Department of Radiology and Physical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Granada, Granada, Spain.
- Department of Computer Languages and Systems, School of Computer and Telecommunications Engineering, University of Granada, Granada, Spain.
- Department of Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy Division, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Granada, Granada, Spain.
- Brain, Mind and Behaviour Research Center (CIMCYC), University of Granada, Granada, Spain.
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria de Granada, IBS, Granada, Spain.
Abstract
PURPOSE
This study presents a preliminary multi‑stakeholder needs assessment to inform the subsequent co‑design of a digital telerehabilitation tool aimed at supporting organisation, planning, and prospective memory in children and adolescents with ADHD. The primary outcome was to identify functional challenges, environmental determinants, and user‑reported priorities across stakeholder groups. The secondary outcome was to translate these needs into preliminary design requirements and guiding principles for future co‑design phases.
METHODS
A qualitative study was conducted using focus groups guided by the CFIR framework, involving 49 participants: children and adolescents with ADHD, caregivers, occupational therapists, and educational professionals. Data were analysed through deductive thematic coding and inductive grounded‑theory synthesis. Matrix mappings and Sankey diagrams were used to visualise convergence and divergence across stakeholder perspectives.
RESULTS
Three cross‑cutting priority areas emerged: (1) emotional self‑regulation, (2) autonomy in daily routines through customisable reminders and supports, and (3) psychoeducation for families and educators. Children emphasised reminders, prospective‑memory support, privacy control, and motivational feedback. Educators highlighted the need for training and classroom‑based co‑regulation strategies. Occupational therapists emphasised ecological, participation‑oriented interventions. Caregivers reported emotional burden, concerns about independence, and a need for accessible psychoeducational resources.
CONCLUSIONS
This needs assessment provides a structured, replicable foundation for the co‑design of a digital telerehabilitation tool for ADHD, integrating emotional, functional, and educational dimensions. Future research should evaluate the feasibility, usability, and the impact of the resulting prototype on autonomy, participation, and family dynamics.
MeSH
Needs Assessment, Multiple Chronic Conditions, Executive Function, Telerehabilitation, Adolescent, Self-Help Devices, Memory, Child, Attention Deficit Disorder With Hyperactivity