HealthQb: Design and Evaluation of a Wearable Health Solution to Manage Chronic Stress and Pain
摘要
Chronic stress is a multidimensional health crisis affecting physical, emotional, and social well-being, often coexisting with conditions like anxiety, depression, and cardiovascular disease. Despite a growing market of over 100 mobile applications targeting chronic pain, few integrate real-time biometric data with the biopsychosocial (BPS) model. To address this gap, HealthQb Technologies Inc. developed a digital platform that pairs psychosocial assessments with biometric data from the Biostrap wearable device. This study evaluates the usability, personalization, and effectiveness of the HealthQb system in managing chronic stress and pain. The platform supports over 1,700 patients and 186 healthcare practitioners. It monitors heart rate variability, respiratory rate, sleep patterns, and oxygen saturation . Combined with Ecological Momentary Assessments (EMA), the system generates personalized recommendations and real-time feedback through a user-facing mobile app and practitioner dashboard. Our UX research engaged 11 patients and practitioners using mixed methods, including interviews, observations, and A/B/C testing. Results showed high usability (67%) but lower equitability (44%) and enjoyability (56%). The “Aha” moment, where users recognize the value, was triggered by viewing personalized ANS/BPS scores and tailored recommendations. However, onboarding challenges, lack of personalization, and UI complexity hindered early engagement. Key improvements include redesigning the UI, refining user personas, and enhancing the recommendation system. These changes led to a 78% improvement in usability and contributed to securing funding. Our findings highlight the critical role of integrated UX research in digital health tools to drive adoption, retention, and real-world clinical impact.