Development and preliminary testing of a web-based, self-help application for disaster-affected families.
Technology-based self-help interventions have the potential to increase access to evidence-based mental healthcare, especially for families affected by natural disasters. However, development of these interventions is a complex process and poses unique challenges. Usability testing, which assesses the ability of individuals to use an application successfully, can have a significant impact on the quality of a self-help intervention. This article describes (a) the development of a novel web-based multi-module self-help intervention for disaster-affected adolescents and their parents and (b) a mixed-methods formal usability study to evaluate user response. A total of 24 adolescents were observed, videotaped, and interviewed as they used the depressed mood component of the self-help intervention. Quantitative results indicated an above-average user experience, and qualitative analysis identified 120 unique usability issues. We discuss the challenges of developing self-help applications, including design considerations and the value of usability testing in technology-based interventions, as well as our plan for widespread dissemination.
The University of Tampa, USA eyuen@ut.edu.
Erica K
EK
Yuen
Ralph H. Johnson Veterans Affairs Medical Center, USA; Medical University of South Carolina, USA.
Kirstin
K
Gros
Medical University of South Carolina, USA.
Kyleen E
KE
Welsh
Medical University of South Carolina, USA.
Jenna
J
McCauley
Medical University of South Carolina, USA.
Heidi S
HS
Resnick
Medical University of South Carolina, USA.
Carla K
CK
Danielson
The University of Vermont, USA.
Matthew
M
Price
Medical University of South Carolina, USA; Ralph H. Johnson Veterans Affairs Medical Center, USA.
Kenneth J
KJ
Ruggiero
D000293:Adolescent; D001521:Behavior Therapy / Q000379:methods; D002648:Child; D003863:Depression / Q000628:therapy; D064891:Disaster Victims / Q000523:psychology*; D055317:Evidence-Based Practice; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D008297:Male; D012648:Self Care; D012984:Software; D017216:Telemedicine / Q000379:methods*; D014584:User-Computer Interface
IT design and development methodologies; ehealth; evidence-based practice; healthcare service innovation and IT; telecare