User testing digital, multimedia information to inform children, adolescents and their parents about healthcare trials

Abstract

Digital, multimedia information resources (MMIs) containing text, video, animation and pictures are a promising alternative to written participant information materials designed to inform children, adolescents and parents about healthcare trials, but little research has tested whether they are fit for purpose. This study employed a consecutive groups design and user testing questionnaire to assess whether participants were able to find and understand key information in multimedia resources. Two rounds of testing were completed. In each round, seven children aged 7–11 tested the MMI with a parent; six adolescents aged 12–17 and seven parents tested the MMI independently. After round 1, the resources were revised based on participant scores, behaviour and feedback. Round 1 identified problems with 2/10 information items (length of trial and use of insulin pump); only 3/20 participants could locate all information items without difficulty. After revisions, 14/20 participants scored a clear round. Information comprehension was high: 96% understood in round 1 and 99% in round 2. Participant feedback on the multimedia resources was positive, although presentation preferences varied. User testing was employed successfully with children, adolescents and parents to identify issues with, and improve, multimedia resources developed to inform potential healthcare trial participants.

Why do patients take part in research? An overview of systematic reviews of psychosocial barriers and facilitators

“…Participant information, participant knowledge and social influences were found to act both as barriers and facilitators, and this perhaps presents a problem. First, researchers are unlikely to be able to control for social influences; second, information to inform research participation is mostly universal in provision and highly regulated [48], and yet amongst patients there can be strong, individual preferences for the quantity and complexity of information [49][50][51][52]. The opposing forces of universalism and individual preferences can be hard to reconcile, although digital provision does increase the potential for information to be tailored or personalised, whether by the originator or recipient.…”

Evaluating the use of multimedia information when recruiting adolescents to orthodontics research: A randomised controlled trial

“…The TRECA study websites drew on extensive underpinning qualitative research ( Martin-Kerry et al, 2019 ) and user testing ( Sheridan et al, 2019 ), and were informed by principles of Plain English and information design ( Knapp et al, 2011 ), as well as age-appropriateness and readability formulae ( Readabilityformulas.com ). The TRECA Patient and Public Involvement Group commented on the content and design of the websites throughout their development ( Sheridan et al, 2020b ).…”

“…A higher DMQ score indicates better quality of decision-making. The DMQ comprised items evaluating aspects of trial participation decision-making indicated as important in the underpinning empirical work ( Martin-Kerry et al, 2017 , 2019 ; Sheridan et al, 2019 , 2020b ), including items on: information content; the experience of participation; uncertainty in trials; participation advantages and disadvantages; the process of decision-making; and decisional confidence. The nine scale items were followed by three free-text questions that asked respondents: to suggest any additional information they would have wanted; to identify aspects that were explained well; and for any other comments.…”

Patient and public involvement in a study of multimedia clinical trial information for children, young people and families

“…In Phase 1, prototype MMIs containing text, animations, video and pictures were developed with input from study participants including children, young people, families and health-care professionals, to ensure they met people's needs and preferences . The MMIs were then user tested to ensure that they were understandable and intuitive to use (Sheridan et al, 2019). Examples from the TRECA MMIs are available at: https://morph.co.uk/case-study/treca/.…”