In:
Health Informatics Journal, SAGE Publications, Vol. 22, No. 3 ( 2016-09), p. 659-675
Abstract:
Technology-based self-help interventions have the potential to increase access to evidence-based mental healthcare, especially for families affected by natural disasters. However, development of these interventions is a complex process and poses unique challenges. Usability testing, which assesses the ability of individuals to use an application successfully, can have a significant impact on the quality of a self-help intervention. This article describes (a) the development of a novel web-based multi-module self-help intervention for disaster-affected adolescents and their parents and (b) a mixed-methods formal usability study to evaluate user response. A total of 24 adolescents were observed, videotaped, and interviewed as they used the depressed mood component of the self-help intervention. Quantitative results indicated an above-average user experience, and qualitative analysis identified 120 unique usability issues. We discuss the challenges of developing self-help applications, including design considerations and the value of usability testing in technology-based interventions, as well as our plan for widespread dissemination.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
1460-4582
,
1741-2811
DOI:
10.1177/1460458215579292
Language:
English
Publisher:
SAGE Publications
Publication Date:
2016
detail.hit.zdb_id:
2070802-6
Permalink