A Mobile Application for Collaborative Communication Among Caregivers, Families, and Professionals Supporting Children with Developmental Disabilities: A Qualitative Study on User Experience

Objectives: The objective of this study is to address the increasing number of children with developmental disabilities in South Korea by improving communication among caregivers, families, and professionals involved in their care. Effective communication is essential for ensuring coordinated support and tracking developmental progress to provide holistic care for these children.Methods: This qualitative study was conducted in four stages: planning, development, implementation, and evaluation. Before developing the intervention, focus group interviews with caregivers and professionals were conducted to assess existing communication methods, such as formal documentation, face-to-face meetings, and telephone consultations. Based on the findings from these interviews, a mobile application called "Link-I" was developed to facilitate the daily recording and sharing of events and developmental milestones among caregivers, families, and professionals. After the app was implemented, a second round of focus group interviews was conducted during the evaluation phase to gather detailed feedback on its usability, accessibility, and overall effectiveness in improving communication.Results: The implementation of Link-I showed considerable potential to enhance communication and improve the tracking of developmental progress for children with disabilities. However, many caregivers reported that the app was difficult to use due to its complexity and the time required for frequent updates. Despite these issues, professionals found the real-time information sharing helpful for monitoring the children’s progress and coordinating care more efficiently.Conclusion: Although challenges in usability and accessibility were highlighted, the study demonstrates that Link-I can improve communication between caregivers and professionals. With further refinements and enhancements, the app could better serve its users, ultimately improving care and developmental tracking for children with developmental disabilities.