The value of usability testing for Internet-based adolescent self-management interventions: “Managing Hemophilia Online”

Abstract

BackgroundAs adolescents with hemophilia approach adulthood, they are expected to assume responsibility for their disease management. A bilingual (English and French) Internet-based self-management program, “Teens Taking Charge: Managing Hemophilia Online,” was developed to support adolescents with hemophilia in this transition. This study explored the usability of the website and resulted in refinement of the prototype.MethodsA purposive sample (n=18; age 13–18; mean age 15.5 years) was recruited from two tertiary care centers to assess the usability of the program in English and French. Qualitative observations using a “think aloud” usability testing method and semi-structured interviews were conducted in four iterative cycles, with changes to the prototype made as necessary following each cycle. This study was approved by research ethics boards at each site.ResultsTeens responded positively to the content and appearance of the website and felt that it was easy to navigate and understand. The multimedia components (videos, animations, quizzes) were felt to enrich the experience. Changes to the presentation of content and the website user-interface were made after the first, second and third cycles of testing in English. Cycle four did not result in any further changes.ConclusionsOverall, teens found the website to be easy to use. Usability testing identified end-user concerns that informed improvements to the program. Usability testing is a crucial step in the development of Internet-based self-management programs to ensure information is delivered in a manner that is accessible and understood by users.

Effectiveness of the Medtep Hemophilia online platform for adherence to prophylactic treatment in haemophilia patients: Results from a 1‐year observational study

“…Additional key positive effects are the improvement of the quality and reduction in the cost of haemophilia care . Moreover, recent medical technologies are taking advantage of global communication provided by use of the Internet . However, telehealth systems are not without shortcomings.…”

Adherence to prophylactic haemophilic treatment in young patients transitioning to adult care: A qualitative review

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“…Subsequently, we excluded studies not including YWH in PTX, studies focusing on low‐income country issues, on female patients or those with inhibitor or HIV/hepatitis C infection issues. A total of 73 journal articles were selected for full‐text analysis comprising 10 reviews and 12 studies including qualitative research methods . Most remaining articles used quantitative research methods only; nine were commentaries or expert panel reports …”

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A Participatory Design Approach to Develop a Web-Based Self-Care Program Supporting Early Rehabilitation among Patients after Total Laryngectomy

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