JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a leading cause of death and disability worldwide. Improvements in clinical management of TBI have resulted in improved survival rates, meaning that more people live with the effects of their TBI for longer. Electronic assessment of patient-reported outcomes (PROs) post-TBI may facilitate early identification of ongoing issues, facilitate shared-decision making, and help improve long-term outcomes.

Objective:

This study aims to test the usability of using an electronic PRO (ePRO) system (Atom5TM) with individuals who had a TBI.

Methods:

An ePRO platform (Atom5TM) was configured to be used by individuals who had TBI to report their symptoms. One-to-one usability testing sessions were conducted with individuals living with the effects of a TBI, using cognitive interviews and the ‘Think Aloud’ method. Effectiveness of the platform was assessed and areas for further improvement were identified. User satisfaction was assessed using a brief satisfaction questionnaire, based on the System Usability Scale.

Results:

Nine individuals were recruited from Headway UK and took part in one usability testing session. Measures of anxiety (GAD-2), depression (PCL-2), post-traumatic stress disorder (PCL-2), and quality of life (TBI QOL SF) were included in the Atom5TM platform. Overall, participants were satisfied with the electronic platform and found it easy to use, despite some difficulties understanding some of the questions. No critical errors and three non-critical errors were recorded. Overall usability and satisfaction score was 3.9 (sd=0.49).

Conclusions:

This usability study suggests individuals living with the impact of a TBI can report their symptoms on an electronic platform. ePRO developers, healthcare providers and researchers should ensure that electronic platforms are inclusive and can be adapted to people’s needs.