Usability test of an internet-based informatics tool for diabetes care providers: the comprehensive diabetes management program.
BACKGROUND
Research suggests Internet-based care management tools are associated with improvements in care and patient outcomes. However, although such tools change workflow, rarely is their usability addressed and reported. This article presents a usability study of an Internet-based informatics application called the Comprehensive Diabetes Management Program (CDMP), developed by content experts and technologists. Our aim is to demonstrate a process for conducting a usability study of such a tool and to report results.


METHODS
We conducted the usability test with six diabetes care providers under controlled conditions. Each provider worked with the CDMP in a single session using a "think aloud" process. Providers performed standardized tasks with fictitious patient data, and we observed how they approached these tasks, documenting verbalizations and subjective ratings. The providers then completed a usability questionnaire and interviews.


RESULTS
Overall, the scores on the usability questionnaire were neutral to favorable. For specific subdomains of the questionnaire, the providers' reported problems with the application's ease of use, performance, and support features, but were satisfied with its visual appeal and content. The results from the observational and interview data indicated areas for improvement, particularly in navigation and terminology.


CONCLUSIONS
The usability study identified several issues for improvement, confirming the need for usability testing of Internet-based informatics applications, even those developed by experts. To our knowledge, there have been no other usability studies of an Internet-based informatics application with the functionality of the CDMP. Such studies can form the foundation for translation of Internet-based medical informatics tools into clinical practice.
Fonda
Stephanie J
SJ
Joslin Diabetes Center, One Joslin Place, Boston, MA 02215, USA. fondasj@gmail.com
Paulsen
Christine A
CA
Perkins
Joan
J
Kedziora
Richard J
RJ
Rodbard
David
D
Bursell
Sven-Erik
SE
D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000628:therapy*; D019468:Disease Management; D006282:Health Personnel / Q000193:education*; D006801:Humans; D048088:Informatics / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D020407:Internet; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014584:User-Computer Interface