Take Charge, Get Cured: The development and user testing of a culturally targeted mHealth decision tool on HCV treatment initiation for methadone patients. Issue 11 (November 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bauerle Bass, Sarah; Jessop, Amy; Gashat, Muhamed; Maurer, Laurie; Alhajji, Mohammed; Forry, Jon
• Is Part Of: Patient education and counseling. Volume 101:Issue 11(2018)
• Page Start: 1995
• Page End: 2004
• Publication Date: 2018-11
• Subjects: mHealth -- Decision tool -- Hepatitis C -- Methadone; Patient education -- Periodicals; Health counseling -- Periodicals; Health education -- Periodicals; Counseling -- Periodicals; Patient Education -- Periodicals; Éducation des patients -- Périodiques; Counseling -- Périodiques; Éducation sanitaire -- Périodiques; 615.5071
• DOI: 10.1016/j.pec.2018.07.007
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0738-3991

Abstract

Highlights: HCV is an important health issue in methadone patients and treatment decision support is needed. Use of formative evaluation methods ensures development of salient mHealth tools. Gaining input from your target audience provides important context to decision support tools. Use of perceptual mapping techniques is a novel approach to message development. Abstract: Objective: This paper describes the development of a mobile health tool to facilitate Hepatitis C (HCV) treatment decision making in methadone patients. Methods: Using an iterative, formative evaluation framework, we used commercial marketing techniques to create 3D maps of survey data to develop culturally relevant messaging that was concept tested. The resulting tool was then user tested and results were used to modify the tool. Results: The "Take Charge, Get Cured" tool was developed with surveys (n = 100), perceptual mapping analysis, concept testing (n = 5), and user testing (n = 10). "Think aloud" sessions were audio recorded and surveys given. Patients thought the goal of the tool was to encourage treatment and it was aimed to the needs of methadone patients. Means of 6.7–7 (on a 7 point scale) were observed for survey items related to ease of use, content, and satisfaction. Conclusion: The iterative development was essential to ensuring a culturally targeted tool, specific to the needs of HCV + methadone patients. There was a high level of acceptance for the tool. Practice Implications: Our study indicates that using a formative evaluation strategy is essential for development of highly targeted patient communication, especially in hard-to-reach populations.