BACKGROUND
Chronic kidney disease affects 10% of the population worldwide, and the number of patients receiving treatment for end-stage kidney disease is forecasted to increase. Therefore, there is a pressing need for novel digital solutions that maximize the efficiency of care and improve patients’ quality of life. The aim of the “eHealth in Home Dialysis” project is to create a novel eHealth solution, called “eC4Me,” to facilitate pre-dialysis and home dialysis care for chronic kidney disease patients.
OBJECTIVE
Our study aimed to evaluate aspects of the first version of the eC4Me solution related to usability, user experience (UX). and patient experience (PX).
METHODS
We utilized a user-based evaluation approach involving usability testing, questionnaire, and interview methods. The test sessions were conducted remotely with 10 chronic kidney disease patients, five of whom had used the solution with their home environment prior to the tests, while the rest were using it for the first time. Thematic analysis was employed to analyze user test and questionnaire data, and descriptive statistics were calculated for the Usability Metric for User Experience (UMUX) scores.
RESULTS
Most usability problems were related to navigation, the use of terminology, and the presentation of health-related data. Despite usability challenges, UMUX ratings of the solution were positive overall. The results showed noteworthy variation in the expected benefits and perceived effort of using the solution. From a PX perspective, it is important that the solution support patients’ own health-related goals and fit with their everyday lives with the disease. Patients should be actively involved in the solution development process when specifying what information is relevant for them.
CONCLUSIONS
A user-based evaluation is a useful and necessary part of the eHealth solution development process. Our study findings can be used to improve the usability and UX of the evaluated eC4Me solution. Traditional usability tests complemented with questionnaire and interview methods can serve as a meaningful methodological approach for gaining insight not only on usability but also on UX- and PX-related aspects of digital health solutions.