Data analysis

The focus groups were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim with participants’ permission. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse demographic and other quantitative data. All qualitative data was coded and arranged in themes using thematic analysis [63]. The analysis was framed by the core focus group topics. Transcripts were read through several times to identify categories or themes (HH, PH). After initial coding highlighting relevant discussion themes, all text segments were iteratively analysed. Themes were added or merged until they effectively represented all text segments and captured the essence of the discussion [64]. The coding frame was refined with discussions about areas of disagreement and consensus, and any differences in interpretation were reconciled. Comments on user needs and preferences and app usability were classified using the following classifications: content and information (e.g. relevant outcome variables, exercises, functionalities or written information), navigation and structure (e.g. location where information is located) and design and presentation (e.g. use of colour, graphs, amount of text). The study team reached consensus on the content and features that would be included in the app. Considerations for requirement selection (i.e. which features to include) included the number of participants who mentioned it, the context of use, overlap/integration with existing information, technical feasibility and finance and time available to realise the requirement.