User testing digital, multimedia information to inform children, adolescents and their parents about healthcare trials

Rebecca Sheridan, Jacqueline Maree Martin-Kerry, Ian Scot Watt, Steven Higgins, Simon Stones, Danielle Horton-Taylor, Peter Raymond Knapp

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Digital, multimedia information resources (MMIs) containing text, video, animation and pictures are a promising alternative to written participant information materials designed to inform children, adolescents and parents about healthcare trials, but little research has tested whether they are fit for purpose. This study employed a consecutive groups design and user testing questionnaire to assess whether participants were able to find and understand key information in multimedia resources. Two rounds of testing were completed. In each round, seven children aged 7-11 tested the MMI with a parent; six adolescents aged 12-17 and seven parents tested the MMI independently. After round 1, the resources were revised based on participant scores, behaviour and feedback. Round 1 identified problems with 2/10 information items (length of trial and use of insulin pump); only 3/20 participants could locate all information items without difficulty. After revisions, 14/20 participants scored a clear round. Information comprehension was high: 96% understood in round 1 and 99% in round 2. Participant feedback on the multimedia resources was positive, although presentation preferences varied. User testing was employed successfully with children, adolescents and parents to identify issues with, and improve, multimedia resources developed to inform potential healthcare trial participants.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)468-482
Number of pages15
JournalJournal of child health care
Volume23
Issue number3
Early online date1 Nov 2018
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Sept 2019

Bibliographical note

©The Author(s) 2018

Keywords

  • Adolescents
  • children
  • education
  • informed consent
  • multimedia information
  • parents
  • patient information
  • trials
  • user testing
  • website

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