POSTER
Kiosk-based Health Information on Falls in Older People:
Identifying User Needs using Qualitative Research Methods
Bettina Wilmes, Centre for Health Care of Older People,
Barts and The London, Queen Mary’s School of Medicine and Dentistry, University
of London, England
ABSTRACT:
The last years have
seen a rapid and constant growth in the Internet connectivity worldwide. At the
time, accessing health information over the Web, on a D-Rom or via a
touchscreen kiosk has also become increasingly important. Consumers are turning
more and more to the Internet for self-care, either as a first line of inquiry
for health information or for helping with managing chronic illnesses.
Despite its
popularity, the concept of e-health information has its limitations. Many
people are still excluded from computers and the Internet either due to
economical, ergonomic/health-related, or geographical accessibility problems or
because of issues around the usability of the system. Especially older adults
and disabled people are still under-represented as users.
In the field of
health informatics, the efficacy of systems is frequently evaluated using
randomised controlled trials. These trials are usually carried out at the end
of the development life cycle once the system has been fully implemented, and
are necessary to ensure that the developed system is both safe to use and
successful. However, this evaluation method does not ensure the effectiveness
of the development process, nor does it help understanding user’s needs and
making design decisions. Creating successful e-health information requires a
user-centred and iterative system development process as promoted by the
discipline of human computer interaction. This means involving the end user
right from the start of the project and continuously evaluating the system
during its various development stages.
The two-years
research study eWeb/ Kiosk-based Health Information on Falls Delivered to Older
People in Tower Hamlets explores new methods of developing and delivering
tailored health information on falls by using advances in information
technology. Implemented as a touchscreen kiosk application, the package aims to
prevent falls and increase awareness, in older people and their caregivers, of
issues around falling.
The falls package is
developed as a user-friendly and interactive source of information and aims to
overcome often experienced usability and accessibility problems. Qualitative
research methods are applied to identify the user’s needs and investigate people’s
views on the package, its usability as well as its usage once completed. During
the entire development process, lay persons and professionals are consulted in
focus groups. The evaluation of the package is carried out by performing
usability tests and in-depth interviews. The assessment gives insight into the program’s
user-friendliness and its appeal, as well as the relevance of the information
provided. After completion, the usage of the package will be monitored and its
impact evaluated. The presentation will comprise of:
·
Demonstrating the
process of designing and implementing the information package.
·
Highlighting the
accessibility and usability issues older people face when using IT and the
Internet, and in particular the circumstances for people in the study area.
·
Experiences with and
benefits of involving stakeholders into the design process.
·
Assessing the
feasibility and impact of this mode of health promotion. - Demonstration of the
falls package.
BENEFIT TO PARTICIPANTS ATTENDING SESSION:
Participants will
learn about the approach taken in the development of a consumer health
information package aimed at older people in East London, including the
challenges experienced and the lessons learnt. They will hear about the methods
applied to identify the user’s requirements and to test the usability of the
package. Having in mind the current trends in empowering patients through
education, the participants will also learn about the acceptance of the health
information package amongst health professionals.
Bettina Wilmes
Centre for Health
Care of Older People
Institute of
Community Health Science
2nd floor, room 2.08
Medical Science
Building
Barts and The London
Queen Mary's School
of Medicine and Dentistry Mile End Road
London E1 4NS
Phone: 0044(0)207882
7702
Fax:
0044(0)2078826396
file:///Website/
http///www.smd.qmul.ac.uk/hcop/research/falls.htm