
Chapter 2 – Section 1
Chapter 2: Centering the user in product development
This chapter of The Playbook delves into the unique complexities of pediatric care systems. Learn how to prioritize children’s experiences in digital health technology (DHT) development while ensuring their privacy, safety, and security.
Who uses pediatric DHTs?
The pediatric health system contains many stakeholders and ‘users’ of DHTs. The four types of users considered for this playbook include:
- Patients
- Caregivers
- Clinicians and healthcare professionals (HCPs)
- Pharmaceutical and clinical research organizations

Patients utilize DHTs to manage their personal health and well-being. This may include tracking health metrics, accessing mental health services, receiving reminders for medications, or monitoring chronic conditions through apps and wearable devices. DHTs should empower patients to take an active role in their healthcare. Young patients rely on caregivers to make healthcare decisions and are progressively empowered to manage their personal health as they age.

Caregivers use DHTs to support in the healthcare management of their child or dependent. This may include monitoring vital signs, managing medication schedules, coordinating appointments, and communicating with healthcare providers, and more.

Clinicians and healthcare professionals (HCPs) use electronic health records (EHRs), telemedicine platforms, remote monitoring tools, and other digital solutions to diagnose, treat, and follow up with patients, ensuring efficient and data-driven healthcare delivery. HCPs are at the center of DHT administration – identifying the appropriate tools and resources to support their patients. (Includes doctors, nurses, therapists, school and community-based professionals.)

Pharmaceutical and clinical research organizations leverage digital health technologies—such as data analytics platforms, remote trial monitoring systems, digital biomarkers, and electronic clinical trial management tools—to accelerate drug development, optimize clinical trials, and generate real-world evidence that drives innovative, data-driven therapeutic research and regulatory decisions (includes pharmaceutical companies and contract research organizations).
Explore chapter sections
Children and their care systems
Children and their care systems are fundamentally different from adults. Use this section to understand how physical and cognitive development, caregiver and community relationships, technology access, and children’s unique health needs should shape DHT product development.
A human-centered development approach
Use this section to apply human-centered principles to pediatric DHT development, ensuring that children and their care systems remain central to the process. Learn key considerations for building fit-for-purpose solutions.
Pediatric data and ethics
Care Systems:
The amalgamation of individuals involved in care for children, from family members to community-based individuals and pediatricians, and specialists.
Common elements you’ll see throughout The Playbook:
As you move through this resource, you will see different elements to help guide you through key topics. These include persona narratives and guiding icons that will bring to life the challenges and opportunities of pediatric digital health innovation. From market dynamics to clinical investigations, these illustrations will highlight how digital health technologies are making an impact—and where there’s still room to grow.
Guiding icons
Look for these icons throughout The Playbook to navigate key insights and takeaways.
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Pro Tips offer expert recommendations and strategies crafted by The Playbook team to support your implementation and success.
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Spotlight highlights the impact or significance of a concept, emphasizing evidence-based insights and key considerations.
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Megaphones amplify key messages of a section, drawing attention to critical insights and takeaways.
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Personas illustrate key points in action, showcasing real-world applications and practical scenarios based on fictional personas.
Explore other playbooks
This project builds upon the successes of The Playbook: Digital Clinical Measures and The Playbook: Digital Healthcare. The Playbooks are signature DiMe resources and the essential industry guides for successfully developing and deploying digital medicine across clinical research, clinical care, and public health.

Effective digital health solutions start with measurement. The Playbook : Digital Clinical Measures is the essential industry guide for successfully developing and deploying digital clinical measures and remote monitoring.

As digital technology matures, many tools can be used to address the multiple health crises we are facing while supporting clinicians. The Playbook: Digital Healthcare Edition is the essential guide to leveraging high-value solutions to create efficiencies and improve care in our health systems.