Population-based user-perceived experience ofRheumatic?: a novel digital symptom-checker in rheumatology

Abstract

ObjectiveDigital symptom-checkers (SCs) have potential to improve rheumatology triage and reduce diagnostic delays. In addition to being accurate, SCs should be user friendly and meet patient’s needs. Here, we examined usability and acceptance ofRheumatic?—a new and freely available online SC (currently with >44 000 users)—in a real-world setting.MethodsStudy participants were recruited from an ongoing prospective study, and included people ≥18 years with musculoskeletal complaints completingRheumatic?online. The user experience survey comprised five usability and acceptability questions (11-point rating scale), and an open-ended question regarding improvement ofRheumatic?Data were analysed in R using t-test or Wilcoxon rank test (group comparisons), or linear regression (continuous variables).ResultsA total of 12 712 people completed the user experience survey. The study population had a normal age distribution, with a peak at 50–59 years, and 78% women. A majority foundRheumatic?useful (78%), thought the questionnaire gave them an opportunity to describe their complaints well (76%), and would recommendRheumatic?to friends and other patients (74%). Main shortcoming was that 36% thought there were too many questions. Still, 39% suggested more detailed questions, and only 2% suggested a reduction of questions.ConclusionBased on real-world data from the largest user evaluation study of a digital SC in rheumatology, we conclude thatRheumatic?is well accepted by women and men with rheumatic complaints, in all investigated age groups. Wide-scale adoption ofRheumatic?, therefore, seems feasible, with promising scientific and clinical implications on the horizon.