Title: A healthy lifestyle app for older adults with diabetes and hypertension: usability assessment

Authors: Jenna Smith-Turchyn; Janelle Gravesande; Gina Agarwal; Dee Mangin; Dena Javadi; Jessica Peter; Fiona Parascandalo; Lisa Dolovich; Julie Richardson

Addresses: Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4L8, Canada ' Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4L8, Canada ' Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4L8, Canada ' Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4L8, Canada ' Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4L8, Canada ' Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4L8, Canada ' Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4L8, Canada ' Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4L8, Canada ' Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4L8, Canada

Abstract: Risk factor modification interventions using mobile health technology have been shown to be effective in managing non-communicable lifestyle related conditions. The objective of this study was to explore how older adults with type 2 diabetes and hypertension use an online app developed to help manage these conditions. Usability testing was conducted on the TAPESTRY-CM Healthy Lifestyle App, an online self-management application. This included an online session, using a cognitive interviewing approach, and semi-structured interviews at various times. Qualitative content analysis was performed as sessions were completed using coding and category formation. All participants commented positively on app content. Suggestions for improvement were given in regard to app content and layout. This study provides strong support for initial use of this app. Results of this study will be used to improve the app prior to conducting larger scale effectiveness trials or using it in clinical practice.

Keywords: usability assessment; older adults; healthcare technology; self-management; non-communicable lifestyle-related conditions; type 2 diabetes; hypertension; healthy lifestyle app; cognitive interviewing; qualitative content analysis.

DOI: 10.1504/IJHTM.2017.088862

International Journal of Healthcare Technology and Management, 2017 Vol.16 No.3/4, pp.250 - 270

Received: 08 Jul 2016
Accepted: 01 Jun 2017

Published online: 21 Dec 2017 *

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