BACKGROUND
Online health interventions are increasingly common and are promising for patients with voice disorders because participation online does not require voice use. To address needs such as HIPAA compliance, unique user access, ability to send automated reminders, and limited development budget, we used the Research Electronic Data Capture (REDCap) data management platform to deliver a patient-facing psychological intervention designed for patients with voice disorders. This was a novel use of REDCap.
OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to evaluate the usability of the intervention, with the goal of serving as a use case for REDCap delivery of patient-facing interventions more broadly.
METHODS
We used REDCap survey instruments to develop the voice intervention modules, then conducted usability evaluations of the online health intervention using (1) heuristic evaluation by two evaluators, and (2) formal usability testing with seven participants using predetermined tasks, a think-aloud protocol, ease-of-use measurements, a product reaction card, and a debriefing interview.
RESULTS
Heuristic evaluations found strengths in visibility of system status and real-world match, and weaknesses in user control and help documentation. Based on this feedback, changes to the intervention were made before usability testing. Usability testing participants overall found the intervention useful and easy to use, though testing revealed some concerns with design, content, and terminology. Some concerns were readily addressed, and others required adaptations within REDCap to mitigate.
CONCLUSIONS
The REDCap version of a complex online patient-facing intervention performed well in heuristic evaluation and formal usability testing. REDCap can effectively be used for patient-facing intervention delivery, particularly if limitations of the platform are anticipated and mitigated.
CLINICALTRIAL