APRN Usability Testing of a Tailored Computer-Mediated Health Communication Program

This study tested the usability of a touch-screen enabled “Personal Education Program” (PEP) with Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRN). The PEP is designed to enhance medication adherence and reduce adverse self-medication behaviors in older adults with hypertension. An iterative research process was employed, which involved the use of: (1) pre-trial focus groups to guide the design of system information architecture, (2) two different cycles of think-aloud trials to test the software interface, and (3) post-trial focus groups to gather feedback on the think-aloud studies. Results from this iterative usability testing process were utilized to systematically modify and improve the three PEP prototype versions—the pilot, Prototype-1 and Prototype-2. Findings contrasting the two separate think-aloud trials showed that APRN users rated the PEP system usability, system information and system-use satisfaction at a moderately high level between trials. In addition, errors using the interface were reduced by 76 percent and the interface time was reduced by 18.5 percent between the two trials. The usability testing processes employed in this study ensured an interface design adapted to APRNs' needs and preferences to allow them to effectively utilize the computer-mediated health-communication technology in a clinical setting. Purpose The purpose of this study was to conduct usability testing with Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) of a computer-mediated “Personal Education Program” (PEP) that captures the self-medication behaviors of older adults with hypertension and delivers a tailored education program aimed at increasing medication adherence and reducing adverse selfmedication behaviors. The PEP uses a touchscreen interface on a tablet PC. The APRN enters the patient's medication regimen, blood pressure and other study parameters before turning the PEP over to the patient in the waiting room. After the patient answers questions about his/her medication behaviors and interacts with the education component, a report is printed for both patient and provider listing patient-identified problems and symptoms, PEP-identified adverse self-medication behaviors, and corrective strategies.