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. 2008;47(1):82-8.
doi: 10.3414/me9105.

Usability of an adaptive computer assistant that improves self-care and health literacy of older adults

O A Blanson Henkemans  1 , W A Rogers, A D Fisk, M A Neerincx, J Lindenberg, C A P G van der Mast
Affiliations

Usability of an adaptive computer assistant that improves self-care and health literacy of older adults

O A Blanson Henkemans et al. Methods Inf Med. 2008.

Abstract

Objectives: We developed an adaptive computer assistant for the supervision of diabetics' self-care, to support limiting illness and need for acute treatment, and improve health literacy. This assistant monitors self-care activities logged in the patient's electronic diary. Accordingly, it provides context-aware feedback. The objective was to evaluate whether older adults in general can make use of the computer assistant and to compare an adaptive computer assistant with a fixed one, concerning its usability and contribution to health literacy.

Methods: We conducted a laboratory experiment in the Georgia Tech Aware Home wherein 28 older adults participated in a usability evaluation of the computer assistant, while engaged in scenarios reflecting normal and health-critical situations. We evaluated the assistant on effectiveness, efficiency, satisfaction, and educational value. Finally, we studied the moderating effects of the subjects' personal characteristics.

Results: Logging self-care tasks and receiving feedback from the computer assistant enhanced the subjects' knowledge of diabetes. The adaptive assistant was more effective in dealing with normal and health-critical situations, and, generally, it led to more time efficiency. Subjects' personal characteristics had substantial effects on the effectiveness and efficiency of the two computer assistants.

Conclusions: Older adults were able to use the adaptive computer assistant. In addition, it had a positive effect on the development of health literacy. The assistant has the potential to support older diabetics' self care while maintaining quality of life.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Patient interface with electronic diary and computer assistant
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Diagram of fixed and adaptive computer assistant behavior. In case of health-critical situation, the adaptive computer assistant switches to directive and does not involve the subject in the diagnosis process nor clarify how the critical situation was caused and how to prevent it in the future. The fixed assistant stays cooperative and does give this “educational” feedback.
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Mean number of errors, with standard error bars, made in normal and health-critical situations with a fixed and adaptive computer assistant
Fig. 4
Fig. 4
Mean time required, in seconds, with standard error bars, to complete scenarios in normal and health-critical situations with a fixed and adaptive computer assistant
Fig. 5
Fig. 5
Mean rating of effort, with standard error bars, experienced while completing scenarios in normal and health-critical situations with a fixed and adaptive computer assistant
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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