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USABILITY OF DIGITAL MEDIA IN PATIENTS WITH COPD: A PILOT STUDY

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  03 April 2013

Amy Cheung ,
Anton Janssen ,
Oliver Amft ,
Emiel F. M. Wouters  and
Martijn A. Spruit
Amy Cheung
Affiliation:
Department of Information, Communication and Medical Technology, Catharina Hospital, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
Anton Janssen
Affiliation:
Biomedical Sensor Systems, Philips Research Laboratories, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
Oliver Amft
Affiliation:
Department of Electrical Engineering Signal Processing Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology
Emiel F. M. Wouters
Affiliation:
Dept. Respiratory Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Centre (MUMC+), Maastricht, The Netherlands
Martijn A. Spruit
Affiliation:
Program Development Center, CIRO+, Center of Expertise for Chronic Organ Failure, Horn, The Netherlands
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Abstract

Background: Digital media can be integrated in tele-monitoring solutions, serving as the main interface between the patient and the caregiver. Consequently, the selection of the most appropriate digital medium for the specified target group is critical to ensure compliance with the tele-monitoring system.

Objectives: This pilot study aims to gather insights from patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) on the ease-of-use, efficacy, effectiveness, and satisfaction of different types of digital media.

Methods: Five off-the-shelf digital media devices were tested on nine patients at CIRO+ in Horn, The Netherlands. Usability was evaluated by asking patients to use each device to answer questions related to their symptoms and health status. Subsequently, patients completed a paper-based device usability questionnaire, which assessed prior experience with digital media, device dimensions, device controllability, response speed, screen readability, ease-of-use, and overall satisfaction. After testing all the devices, patients ranked the devices according to their preference.

Results: We identified the netbook as the preferred type of device due to its good controllability, fast response time, and large screen size. The smartphone was the least favorite device as patients found the size of the screen to be too small, which made it difficult to interact with.

Conclusion: The pilot study has provided important insights to guide the selection of the most appropriate type of digital medium for implementation in tele-monitoring solutions for patients with COPD. As the digital medium is an important interface to the patient in tele-monitoring solutions, it is essential that patients feel motivated to interact with the digital medium on a regular basis.

Keywords

COPDUser-computer interfaceMobile phoneComputer
Type
ASSESSMENTS
Information
International Journal of Technology Assessment in Health Care , Volume 29 , Issue 2 , April 2013 , pp. 162 - 165
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2013

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References

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