Testing the Usability of the ADFICE_IT Patient Portal for improving Shared Decision Making: Presenter(s): Kelly de Wildt, Amsterdam UMC, Netherlands; Annemiek Linn, University of Amsterdam, Netherlands. (April 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Groos, Sara; van de Loo, Bob; Medlock, Stephanie; Ploegmakers, Kimberley; van Weert, Julia; van Schoor, Natasja; van der Velde, Nathalie
• Is Part Of: Patient education and counseling. Volume 109(2023)Supplement
• Page Start: 131
• Publication Date: 2023-04
• Subjects: 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.2022.10.299
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0738-3991

Abstract

Abstract : By preparing and empowering patients prior to a consultation, Patient Portals can be powerful tools to stimulate patient participation in Shared Decision Making (SDM) about falls prevention for older adults. However, previous research shows that in developing these portals patients' needs are often overlooked, problematically leading to ineffective portals. We developed a Patient Portal as part of a multi-component intervention (including a physician component) that takes the end-users' needs and preferences into account by incorporating User-Centered Design (UCD). The aim of this study is to test the usability of a patient portal that is developed according to the UCD principles. Methods: The Patient Portal was tested through a concurrent think a-loud usability test, a think a-loud questionnaire (i.e. Website Satisfaction Scale) using a scale visually supported by smiley faces, and a semi-structured interview focused on Usability, Content, Navigation, and Comprehensibility (n=6 patients). The final dataset consisted of videotaped screen recordings including mouse movements and clicks, video recordings of the patients, and the interview audio recordings. The occurrence and severity of the usability problems were coded according to Nielsen's severity rating (0-4). Results: In total, n=41 usability problems were identified. Most problems related to the Portal's Usability and Navigation (e.g. the font size was considered to be too small, difficulty locating a navigation button in the menu bar). Problems regarding comprehensibility were also found (e.g. difficult words required an explanation or easier to understand alternative). Discussion: Based on the results, the Patient Portal was improved into a ready-to-use portal. Only minor edits were made, possibly because end-users were involved in the development from the start. A Clinical Decision Support System for physicians was simultaneously developed as part of the ADFICE_IT intervention. Next, an RCT with process evaluation will be performed across eight Dutch clinics to study the effects of the intervention.