Incorporating user perspectives in the design of an online intervention tool for people with visible differences: face IT.
BACKGROUND
Individuals with visible differences can experience social anxiety in relation to their appearance. Social skills-based psychosocial interventions have to date shown only limited effectiveness at addressing their concerns.


OBJECTIVE
To incorporate user perspectives in the development of an online psychosocial intervention, known as Face IT.


RESULTS
Study one consisted of a needs assessment with 12 individuals with a visible difference and six health professionals in order to identify the difficulties experienced by those with visible difference and obtain feedback on the proposed content of Face IT. The findings demonstrated support for the social skills model and the use of an online intervention. Study two consisted of an empirical usability evaluation of Face IT with 14 potential users and 14 health professionals. Based on feedback from the participants, changes were made to the graphics and navigation of the programme. The clinical content has been made more acceptable.


CONCLUSIONS
The findings indicate support for the importance of social skills-based psychosocial interventions for addressing the needs of those with a visible difference, and have allowed modifications to be made to Face IT ahead of a randomized controlled trial of effectiveness.
Bessell
Alyson
A
University of the West of England, Bristol, UK. alyson.bessell@bristol.ac.uk
Clarke
Alex
A
Harcourt
Diana
D
Moss
Tim P
TP
Rumsey
Nichola
N
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001828:Body Image; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D004954:Esthetics; D005145:Face; D005148:Facial Dermatoses / Q000523:psychology*; D005151:Facial Injuries / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007171:Implosive Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D007406:Interview, Psychological; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009042:Motivation; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D010698:Phobic Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D011287:Prejudice; D012649:Self Concept; D012919:Social Behavior; D012944:Social Support; D013813:Therapy, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*; D055815:Young Adult