Enhancing Employer Engagement in an Application for Supporting Employees' Return-to-Work Processes in Chronic Pain

Abstract: SWEPPE is a mobile application for employees returning to work after sick leave and a web application for their employer. Employees can update the application with data regarding their return-to-work process and choose what to share with their employers. When SWEPPE was tested in real contexts, the researchers developing the application found that employers were not using the application to its full potential, and there was a need for further development. This master's thesis identified requirements for employers in their web application to support their employee's return-to-work process caused by chronic pain. Additionally, prototypes were designed in an iterative human-centered design process, focusing on usability in terms of satisfaction. In each iteration, prototypes were first designed and modified, and afterward, evaluations with stakeholders participating took place. The study revealed that contributing further knowledge to the employers, showing employees data efficiently, designing in line with the employer's workflow, and considering the integrity aspect were essential for usability. The design process resulted in a high-fidelity prototype, and the last evaluation showed that the designed prototype was usable in terms of satisfaction.