“User-testing” as a method for testing the fitness-for-purpose of written medicine information

Research Posters

“…The standard process is for it to be carried out iteratively in rounds of 10 -with the target being that of 90% of users can find, and that 90% of those can understand each key point of information." 10,11 .…”

“…Since 2005 it has been mandatory for PILs in the EU to be user-tested to ensure that leaflets are legible and easy-to-use 18 . The evidence-base for the use of this method to test patient information has developed over the past few years and applying this process to a leaflet has been shown to develop information which responds to a patient's needs and which can improve the reader's ability to find and understand key pieces of information 7,11,19,20 .…”

User testing as a method for identifying how consumers say they would act on information related to over-the-counter medicines

“…12 User testing, developed by Sless and colleagues, 13 can be regarded as the gold standard method in evaluating Page 4 of 23 the performance or usability of WMI. 14 User testing is recommended 15 in the European Union, where the usability of leaflets must be assured via consultation with consumers. 16 Similarly, in Australia, user testing has been incorporated into guidelines on the development and testing of over-the-counter (OTC) labels, 17 and leaflets.…”

“…13 The process of user testing involves measuring the usability of WMI by indirectly utilizing functional health literacy, 3 as demonstrated by their interaction and understanding of the WMI being evaluated. 15 A range of demographics such as education, age, factors regarding occupation, amongst others, are considered when recruiting participants, 15,18 to potentially include a range of health literacy levels within the study population. Individuals are required to demonstrate their ability to find and understand key points of information, which are the primary outcome measures in performance evaluation, which is followed by a qualitative, semi-structured interview where feedback is obtained on the information that was user tested.…”

“…Individuals are required to demonstrate their ability to find and understand key points of information, which are the primary outcome measures in performance evaluation, which is followed by a qualitative, semi-structured interview where feedback is obtained on the information that was user tested. 15 Therefore, the questionnaire developed specifically to user test the WMI has a key influence over what is measured in terms of understanding. The strength of user testing lies in its iterative nature, whereby necessary changes are made to the information to address any identified shortcomings from the initial round of user testing, with the revised information then subject to further testing to ensure it is fit-for-purpose.…”