title: Online self-help tools for the relatives of persons with depression -- a feasibility study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The Internet's potential as health care tool should be explored.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  One objective was to determine the feasibility of constructing a digitally based tool through an iterative design process in cooperation with potential users. The tool's purpose is to alleviate hardships in daily life of relatives of persons with depression. An additional aim was to explore motivation and hindrances to using the tool as a basis for design decisions.
  
  
  METHODS
  An iterative design approach, including data collection through focus groups and with paper and web-based prototypes, was used.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Cooperation with potential users, using an iterative design process, was valuable in developing the digitally based tool. Motivations (i.e. to create understanding and rehabilitate oneself) and hindrances (i.e. lack of time or energy) to using the tool were illuminated. Design decisions were based on consideration towards participants' privacy concerns, needs of support and the depression's influence on the relatives' daily life.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Prototypes and cooperation with potential users were essential and valuable for the iterative development of the website.
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Health and Society, Malmö University, Malmö, Sweden. sigrid.stjernsward@mah.se
authors.forename: Sigrid
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Stjernswärd
authors.forename: Margareta
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Östman
authors.forename: Jonas
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Löwgren
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D017028:Caregivers; D003258:Consumer Behavior; D003866:Depressive Disorder; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016730:Program Development; D012944:Social Support; D013548:Sweden