BACKGROUND
Preventative wheelchair maintenance reduces wheelchair failures and prevents user consequences. The authors are developing a smartphone app that alerts users when maintenance is due to encourage maintenance practices and compliance.
OBJECTIVE
Collect qualitative and quantitative data on older adults' interaction experience with the WheelTrak app and perceived barriers to maintenance.
METHODS
Interviews with stakeholders, including mobility device users, to generate app specifications. Usability testing and semi-structured interviews were conducted with elderly wheelchair and scooter users (n=12). The System Usability Scale (SUS) was administered.
RESULTS
Nine participants agreed they would use WheelTrak for preventative maintenance. WheelTrak scored an average SUS score of 60.5. Four overarching themes were identified: 1) WheelTrak app improvements, 2) Barriers to maintenance, 3) Consequences related to mobility device failure, and 4) Smart technology use and acceptance. Older adults preferred simplicity, readability, personalization and educational resources in the app for better usability. Barriers to maintenance pertain to health issues and lack of maintenance knowledge among the elderly.
CONCLUSIONS
The WheelTrak app has close to average system usability. This study highlighted age-friendly design improvements to the app, making it easier to use and adopt by elderly wheelchair users. Additional usability testing will be conducted following app revision.