A Simulated Graphical Interface for Integrating Patient-Generated Health Data From Smartwatches With Electronic Health Records: Usability Study

Abstract

Background Wearable technology, such as smartwatches, can capture valuable patient-generated data and help inform patient care. Electronic health records provide logical and practical platforms for including such data, but it is necessary to evaluate the way the data are presented and visualized. Objective The aim of this study is to evaluate a graphical interface that displays patients’ health data from smartwatches, mimicking the integration within the environment of electronic health records. Methods A total of 12 health care professionals evaluated a simulated interface using a usability scale questionnaire, testing the clarity of the interface, colors, usefulness of information, navigation, and readability of text. Results The interface was positively received, with 14 out of the 16 questions generating a score of 5 or greater among at least 75% of participants (9/12). On an 8-point Likert scale, the highest rated features of the interface were quick turnaround times (mean score 7.1), readability of the text (mean score 6.8), and use of terminology/abbreviations (mean score 6.75). Conclusions Collaborating with health care professionals to develop and refine a graphical interface for visualizing patients’ health data from smartwatches revealed that the key elements of the interface were acceptable. The implementation of such data from smartwatches and other mobile devices within electronic health records should consider the opinions of key stakeholders as the development of this platform progresses.

Visualization of Patient-Generated Health Data: A Scoping Review of Dashboard Designs

“…One legend describes green as "Ok," yellow "keep an eye", and red "needs attention." 18 This is consistent with other literature visualizing PROs, in which users were described as appreciating the use of color for interpretation and that the tricolor designation described as standard practice. 6,31 Color was also used for purposes other than interpretation.…”

“…The studies that met our criteria varied widely in study design, clinical domain, and visualization formats used (►Table 1). Several were user-centered design studies [15][16][17][18][19][20][21] for the development of PGHD visualizations, which involves soliciting users' feedback on needs, preferences, and workflows in the design and development process. One study 17 primarily gathered user input on impressions and usefulness of visualizations designed to support patients with multiple chronic conditions engaging in cancer care.…”

“…One was only a PDF report displaying a table and graph of blood pressures, with summary statistics and sometimes a warning message. 22 Some visualizations had minimal interactivity, such as allowing adjustment of the data lookback period, 16,18,19 selection of which data points to view (e.g., home or office blood pressures), 19 or selection of a different screen or view. To identify "nocturnal" hypoglycemia in one visualization, a user could adjust what time of day to consider "night."…”

“…Individual users also will have their own preferences, and usability heuristics indicate that flexibility should be allowed for users to customize data display for their specific needs. 18,20,28,32 5. Availability for Other Purposes (e.g.…”

“…22 For example, one dashboard was developed with the goal of being viewed in less than 30 seconds, 17 and quick activation or opening of the dashboard was one feature clinicians reviewed positively. 18 This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.…”