inFLUence: Development of a self-administered risk stratification tool for patients with influenza-like illness using a user-centered approach

BackgroundInfluenza is often self-limiting but leads to avoidable emergency department visits. This study describes the development of inFLUence, an online self-administered tool for stratifying influenza-like illness risk.MethodsThe tool was developed using a user-centered design approach, informed by a systematic review of existing risk stratification tools. A prototype was iteratively refined across three rapid prototyping cycles with 18 participants and evaluated by seven clinical experts through an online survey.ResultsAcross three testing cycles, nearly all participants (5-6 out of 6 per round) found the tool easy to use, understandable, useful, and effective. Feedback informed consensus-based adjustments at each iteration. Clinical experts rated the relevance of the proposed questions on a 9-point scale, with median scores ranging from 5 to 9, where 9 indicated extreme relevance. The final product is a bilingual, self-administered web application for individuals aged ≥5 months, providing personalized recommendations for users presenting with influenza-like illness, regardless of the underlying viral pathogen.ConclusioninFLUence is a promising digital tool that could enhance patient autonomy and support more efficient use of healthcare services.