Table 2 Conditions and requirements concerning the design, layout and interactivity of the eHealth module

Design

The eHealth should be designed in such a way that people can work with it themselves and can search for possible solutions. It should be self-explanatory.… and with as little distraction as possible. The person has to immediately understand the correct button to be clicked on… and a short demonstration film, that sort of thing, is also often crucial. That its use does not represent a barrier to continue… and indeed, you must not want to fill in a website, no long texts. Visual support as much as possible, then you have to achieve something with a drawing/record or something interactive (Expert 9)

There must be a guiding line: for example, phases or themes. Some parts can be obligatory and other parts can be optional.

The information should be short and concise. With the use of tabs: so that it is possible to distinguish between the main themes and to distinguish several levels.

If possible, the eHealth should be designed as an independent program, so that in the implementation phase it can be used without the group meetings. In some sub-groups the eHealth itself may give sufficient support.

Layout

The layout should be attractive. Irrespective whether or not people find the concept of eHealth appealing, the way you present it - the interface - its attractiveness is very important. (Expert 13)

Paying attention to apparently ‘smaller’ details is important: for example, the font that is used. What seems trivial may have considerable influence.

Preferably use images, video and/or voice messages.

Interactivity

There is some discussion as to whether the website should be interactive. On the one hand this makes the website more attractive, but eHealth then becomes more complicated - which is not desirable for this purpose. These considerations should be evaluated. If you say interactive then you first have to have a goal to reach - and only then can you say interactive or not. (Expert 13)

Implementing a diary feature is a possibility: Regarding a diary - hopefully most participants won’t have any objection to fill in a diary on the computer. If they already do that, then it’s a good preparation for the next session. If people want to share the diary with each other – then they can. (Expert 10)

But another expert stated: What is of course also interesting, is that there are people with complaints that arise from regular computer use (Expert 10)

Therefore, use of the computer for additional features needs to be considered, in order to prevent more hours spent behind the computer.

Experts have different opinions about adding a forum/community with participants and experts. A community with healthcare providers is frequently used nowadays, and an online consultation is also an option. However, a forum/community has the disadvantage that participants might ‘whine’ about their complaints. Moreover, participants can contact each other in the group meetings and with small groups it is difficult to have an active community online.