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. 2024 Feb 7:10:20552076241228432.
doi: 10.1177/20552076241228432. eCollection 2024 Jan-Dec.

The design of the Deaf in Touch Everywhere (DITE)TM mobile application with Deaf and interpreter communities in Malaysia

Vee Yee Chong  1 , Chong Chun Yong  2 , Jennifer Ng  1 , Dhaanyah Thanabalasingam  1 , Jessica L Watterson  1   3 , Uma Devi Palanisamy  1
Affiliations

The design of the Deaf in Touch Everywhere (DITE)TM mobile application with Deaf and interpreter communities in Malaysia

Vee Yee Chong et al. Digit Health. .

Abstract

Background: Ineffective communication with Deaf individuals in healthcare settings has led to poor outcomes including miscommunication, waste, and errors. To help address these challenges, we developed a mobile app, Deaf in Touch Everywhere (DITETM) which aims to connect the Deaf community in Malaysia with a pool of off-site interpreters through secure video conferencing.

Objectives: The aims of this study were to (a) assess the feasibility and acceptability of measuring unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) constructs for DITETM with the Deaf community and Malaysian sign language (BIM) interpreters and (b) seek input from Deaf people and BIM interpreters on DITETM to improve its design.

Methods: Two versions of the UTAUT questionnaire were adapted for BIM interpreters and the Deaf community. Participants were recruited from both groups and asked to test the DITE app features over a 2-week period. They then completed the questionnaire and participated in focus group discussions to share their feedback on the app.

Results: A total of 18 participants completed the questionnaire and participated in the focus group discussions. Ratings of performance expectancy, effort expectancy, facilitating conditions and behavioural intention were high across both groups, and suggestions were provided to improve the app. High levels of engagement suggest that measurement of UTAUT constructs with these groups (through a modified questionnaire) is feasible and acceptable.

Conclusions: The process of engaging end users in the design process provided valuable insights and will help to ensure that the DITETM app continues to address the needs of both the Deaf community and BIM interpreters in Malaysia.

Keywords: Deaf; UTAUT; mHealth; participatory design; sign-language interpreters.

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Conflict of interest statement

The author(s) declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

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