scholarly journals Application of a user-centered usability evaluation framework to assess a handheld 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) device: user perceptions and experience in a clinical setting (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kam Cheong Wong ◽  
Aravinda Thiagalingam ◽  
Saurabh Kumar ◽  
Simone Marschner ◽  
Ritu Kunwar ◽  
...  

BACKGROUND Cardiac arrhythmias are a leading cause of death. Twelve-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) is the mainstay for diagnosing arrhythmias e.g. atrial fibrillation (AF) and cardiac conduction disorders e.g. long QTc (LQTc). Handheld 12-lead ECG devices are emerging in the market. With emerging technology options to acquire an ECG in various clinical settings, evaluation of device usability should go beyond validation of the device in a controlled laboratory setting but also assess user perceptions and experience which are crucial for successful implementation in clinical practice. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to evaluate clinician and patient perceptions and experience regarding the usability of a handheld 12-lead ECG device compared to routinely used conventional 12-lead ECG machine. METHODS A mixed methods study was conducted with clinicians and patients in outpatient clinics and cardiology wards at Westmead Hospital, New South Wales, Australia. Each patient had two ECGs in two postures (supine and standing) acquired by each device in random sequence. The times taken by clinicians to acquire the first ECG (efficiency) using the devices were analysed using linear regression. ECG parameters (QT, QTc, HR, PR, QRS) and participant satisfaction survey were collected. The device reliability was assessed by evaluating the mean difference of QTc measurements within ± 15 milliseconds and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC), and level of agreements (Kappa) of the devices in detecting AF and LQTc. Clinicians’ perceptions and feedback were assessed by semi-structured interviews drawing on the framework of the Technology Acceptance Model. RESULTS 100 patients (mean 57.9y (SD 15.2y), 64% male) participated with 783 ECGs acquired, and engaging 11 clinicians (90.9% of them acquired ECGs daily or weekly). Mean difference in QTc measurements of both devices were within ± 15 milliseconds with high ICC (ranged 0.90-0.96), and the devices had a good level of agreement in diagnosing AF and LQTc (Kappa ranged 0.68 – 0.93). Regardless of device, QTc at standing was lengthened compared with QTc at supine. Clinicians’ ECG acquisition times improved with usage (p for trend <0.001). Clinicians reported that device characteristics (small size, light weight, portability and wireless ECG transmission) were highly desired features. Most clinicians agreed that the handheld device could be used for clinician-led mass screening with enhancement in efficiency by increasing user training. Generally, patients reported that they felt comfortable when they were connected to both ECG devices. CONCLUSIONS The handheld 12-lead ECG device was comparable to a conventional ECG machine in its reliability and usability. The user-centered evaluation approach helped us identify remediable action to improve efficiency of using the device, identified highly desirable device features which could potentially help mass screening and remote assessment of patients, and the approach could be applied to evaluate and better understand the acceptability and applicability of new medical devices. CLINICALTRIAL Not applicable.

2019 ◽  
Vol 28 (4) ◽  
pp. 993-1005 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gitte Keidser ◽  
Nicole Matthews ◽  
Elizabeth Convery

Purpose The aim of this study was to examine how hearing aid candidates perceive user-driven and app-controlled hearing aids and the effect these concepts have on traditional hearing health care delivery. Method Eleven adults (3 women, 8 men), recruited among 60 participants who had completed a research study evaluating an app-controlled, self-fitting hearing aid for 12 weeks, participated in a semistructured interview. Participants were over 55 years of age and had varied experience with hearing aids and smartphones. A template analysis was applied to data. Results Five themes emerged from the interviews: (a) prerequisites to the successful implementation of user-driven and app-controlled technologies, (b) benefits and advantages of user-driven and app-controlled technologies, (c) barriers to the acceptance and use of user-driven and app-controlled technologies, (d) beliefs that age is a significant factor in how well people will adopt new technology, and (e) consequences that flow from the adoption of user-driven and app-controlled technologies. Specifically, suggested benefits of the technology included fostering empowerment and providing cheaper and more discrete options, while challenges included lack of technological self-efficacy among older adults. Training and support were emphasized as necessary for successful adaptation and were suggested to be a focus of audiologic services in the future. Conclusion User perceptions of user-driven and app-controlled hearing technologies challenge the audiologic profession to provide adequate support and training for use of the technology and manufacturers to make the technology more accessible to older people.


Author(s):  
Firas Ajam ◽  
Arda Akoluk ◽  
Anas Alrefaee ◽  
Natasha Campbell ◽  
Avais Masud ◽  
...  

ABSTRACT Background: The electrocardiogram (ECG) can aid in identification of chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients at high risk for cardiovascular diseases. Cohort studies describe ECG abnormalities in patients on hemodialysis (HD), but we did not find data comparing ECG abnormalities among patients with normal kidney function or peritoneal dialysis (PD) to those on hemodialysis. We hypothesized that ECG conduction abnormalities would be more common, and cardiac conduction interval times longer, among patients on hemodialysis vs. those on peritoneal dialysis and CKD 1 or 2. Methods: Retrospective review of adult inpatients’ charts, comparing those with billing codes for “Hemodialysis” vs. inpatients without those charges, and an outpatient peritoneal dialysis cohort. Patients with CKD 3 or 4 were excluded. Results: One hundred and sixty-seven charts were reviewed. ECG conduction intervals were consistently and statistically longer among hemodialysis patients (n=88) vs. peritoneal dialysis (n=22) and CKD stage 1 and 2 (n=57): PR (175±35 vs 160±44 vs 157±22 msec) (p=0.009), QRS (115±32 vs. 111±31 vs 91±18 msec) (p=0.001), QT (411±71 vs. 403±46 vs 374±55 msec) (p=0.006), QTc (487±49 vs. 464±38 vs 452±52 msec) (p=0.0001). The only significantly different conduction abnormality was prevalence of left bundle branch block: 13.6% among HD patients, 5% in PD, and 2% in CKD 1 and 2 (p=0.03). Conclusion: To our knowledge, this is the first study to report that ECG conduction intervals are significantly longer as one progresses from CKD Stage 1 and 2, to PD, to HD. These and other data support the need for future research to utilize ECG conduction times to identify dialysis patients who could potentially benefit from proactive cardiac evaluations and risk reduction.


2005 ◽  
Vol 18 (5) ◽  
pp. 586-601 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. Christian Schaupp ◽  
Lemuria Carter

PurposeTo identify the factors that influence adoption of e‐voting services by citizens between the ages of 18‐24.Design/methodology/approachThis study uses Carter and Belanger's (2005) model of e‐government adoption to assess young voters' intention to use an online voting system. The study integrates constructs from technology acceptance, diffusion of innovation, and web trust models. A survey is administered to 208 young voters. The data is analyzed using multiple regression analysis.FindingsResults indicate that user perceptions of compatibility, usefulness, and trust significantly impact their intention to use an electronic‐voting system. The model explains 76 percent of the variance in young voters' intention to use an e‐voting system.Research limitations/implicationsThe study only explores the perceptions of one age group. Future studies could use the model to access adoption perceptions of a more diverse pool of citizens.Practical implicationsGovernment agencies should emphasize the benefits of this electronic service to young voters. If marketed properly, the convenience and compatibility of e‐voting may be influential enough to motivate this normally apathetic demographic to participate in the election process.Originality/valueThis study explores adoption of internet voting by young citizens. An understanding of the factors that influence this demographics' intention to use e‐voting systems can be used to increase voter participation. The findings of this study also lay the foundation for future studies on e‐voting adoption.


2016 ◽  
Vol 12 (5) ◽  
pp. e513-e526 ◽  
Author(s):  
Madeline Li ◽  
Alyssa Macedo ◽  
Sean Crawford ◽  
Sabira Bagha ◽  
Yvonne W. Leung ◽  
...  

Purpose: Systematic screening for distress in oncology clinics has gained increasing acceptance as a means to improve cancer care, but its implementation poses enormous challenges. We describe the development and implementation of the Distress Assessment and Response Tool (DART) program in a large urban comprehensive cancer center. Method: DART is an electronic screening tool used to detect physical and emotional distress and practical concerns and is linked to triaged interprofessional collaborative care pathways. The implementation of DART depended on clinician education, technological innovation, transparent communication, and an evaluation framework based on principles of change management and quality improvement. Results: There have been 364,378 DART surveys completed since 2010, with a sustained screening rate of > 70% for the past 3 years. High staff satisfaction, increased perception of teamwork, greater clinical attention to the psychosocial needs of patients, patient-clinician communication, and patient satisfaction with care were demonstrated without a resultant increase in referrals to specialized psychosocial services. DART is now a standard of care for all patients attending the cancer center and a quality performance indicator for the organization. Conclusion: Key factors in the success of DART implementation were the adoption of a programmatic approach, strong institutional commitment, and a primary focus on clinic-based response. We have demonstrated that large-scale routine screening for distress in a cancer center is achievable and has the potential to enhance the cancer care experience for both patients and staff.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Colleen Cheek ◽  
Theresa Fleming ◽  
Mathijs FG Lucassen ◽  
Heather Bridgman ◽  
Karolina Stasiak ◽  
...  

Background Internet interventions for improving health and well-being have the potential to reach many people and fill gaps in service provision. Serious gaming interfaces provide opportunities to optimize user adherence and impact. Health interventions based in theory and evidence and tailored to psychological constructs have been found to be more effective to promote behavior change. Defining the design elements which engage users and help them to meet their goals can contribute to better informed serious games. Objective To elucidate design elements important in SPARX, a serious game for adolescents with depression, from a user-centered perspective. Methods We proposed a model based on an established theory of health behavior change and practical features of serious game design to organize ideas and rationale. We analyzed data from 5 studies comprising a total of 22 focus groups and 66 semistructured interviews conducted with youth and families in New Zealand and Australia who had viewed or used SPARX. User perceptions of the game were applied to this framework. Results A coherent framework was established using the three constructs of self-determination theory (SDT), autonomy, competence, and relatedness, to organize user perceptions and design elements within four areas important in design: computer game, accessibility, working alliance, and learning in immersion. User perceptions mapped well to the framework, which may assist developers in understanding the context of user needs. By mapping these elements against the constructs of SDT, we were able to propose a sound theoretical base for the model. Conclusions This study’s method allowed for the articulation of design elements in a serious game from a user-centered perspective within a coherent overarching framework. The framework can be used to deliberately incorporate serious game design elements that support a user’s sense of autonomy, competence, and relatedness, key constructs which have been found to mediate motivation at all stages of the change process. The resulting model introduces promising avenues for future exploration. Involving users in program design remains an imperative if serious games are to be fit for purpose.


Author(s):  
Yfantis Vasileios ◽  
Abel Usoro ◽  
Tseles Dimitrios

This chapter explores the potential of Web 2.0 utilization in developing countries through the concept of e-government. Successful implementation of the Web 2.0 concept has to combine both technological and human factors. Thus, this chapter proposes a conceptual model that will measure e-government 2.0 readiness. The conceptual model is based on a combination of the Technology Acceptance Model, Theory of Planned Behavior, and indexes from the United Nation’s database. South Sudan is used at the end as a brief case study of the potential of e-Government 2.0. Future research should validate the empirical model. Meanwhile, the implications of the model are presented.


Author(s):  
Rhoda C. Joseph ◽  
Roderick L. Lee

This study examines the use of mobile devices for the delivery of emergency notifications to end users from a mobile government (m-government) perspective. The study is informed by the task-technology fit model, technology acceptance models, and the literature on emergency management. Our findings indicate that the task, technology, behavioral, and to a lesser extent situational characteristics affect the use of m-government for the delivery of emergency notifications. Additional themes of equity and dependence emerge as relevant to user perceptions. This paper contributes to the m-government literature by examining and presenting findings relevant to emergency management and provides insights on the user perceptions of m-government for emergency notifications. This study also has implications for all levels of government including local, state, and federal. Lastly, as mobile technology use grows in the public domain this type of study advances the goal of using information and communications technologies (ICTs) to benefit human well-being.


Author(s):  
Eija Kaasinen

Personal mobile devices are increasingly being used as platforms for interactive services. User acceptance of mobile services is not just based on usability but includes also other interrelated issues. Ease of use is important, but the services should also provide clear value to the user and they should be trustworthy and easy to adopt. These user acceptance factors form the core of the Technology Acceptance Model for Mobile Services introduced in this chapter. The model has been set up based on field trials of several mobile services with altogether more than 200 test users. The model can be used as a design and evaluation framework when designing new mobile services.


2010 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
pp. 19-43 ◽  
Author(s):  
Krassie Petrova ◽  
Shi Yu

Mobile banking is a mobile service that allows the user to perform banking transactions using a mobile handheld device and a mobile service known as short text messaging (SMS). Deploying an expanded Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), this study aims to identify the factors that influence the customer’s decision to use SMS banking. Findings from relevant literature and outcomes of the analysis of qualitative data were gathered through focus group discussions to build a model, and a survey was conducted to explore the model with respect to individuals’ behaviour when considering using SMS banking. Findings show that service quality, as well as the degree of customers’ awareness about the service, influence participants’ perceptions about the usefulness of SMS banking and their intentions to use and adopt the service in the future.


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