A user-centered design approach in the development of a modular AI-system for detection of cerebral palsy in infants

Abstract: One in 500 newborns is born with cerebral palsy (CP), a malformation of the brain that results in restricted movement and muscle spasticity. The earlier CP is diagnosed and targeted therapy is initiated, the more potential there is to reduce the physical impairments of the affected children and the resulting consequential damage and costs. However, the diagnosis depends largely on the qualifications of the clinicians. In the CP-Diadem project, a modular sensor AI-system is being developed to objectively support paediatricians in the diagnosis. The aim is to develop a support system that automatically detects conspicuous movement patterns, which can then be examined more closely by experts. In this paper, we address the following research questions (1) How should an AI-diagnostic tool for clinicians to detect CP be developed that is accepted by all those involved (clinicians, parents and infants) in the treatment? (2) How can the diagnostic system be integrated into the clinical routine (treatment pathway)? Based on the human-centered approach according to DIN EN ISO 62366 the following formative studies were conducted iteratively. Initially, the prototype of the modular sensor system was tested in a field study with 50 infants, their parents and clinicians during regular treatment. It consists of a sensor mat with eight piezo sensors, on which the infant is placed, and seven inertial measurement units (IMUs), which are attached to the child's limbs. Two cameras record the infant's movements. Parents and clinicians evaluated the system in terms of their user experience and assessed the challenges of integrating it into standard pediatric care for the early detection of neurological movement impairments. Based on the results, a click prototype was developed. The AI-system was evaluated with clinicians as part of a workshop. The aim was to achieve a high level of usability and user experience and to identify challenges in the use of AI in the diagnosis of CP in infants. All UCD methods used in the project involve clinicians, parents and children with their requirements, needs and ideas for active co-decision and participation.

Keywords: User-centered design, AI-system, cerebral palsy in infants

DOI: 10.54941/ahfe1005706

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