User-centered design of a computerized HRQoL questionnaire : qualitative analysis of user needs and prototype evaluation

Abstract

The digitalization of Health-Related Quality of Life instruments as well as the design of computerized systems according to user needs can improve the usability and fulfil the expectations of the end-users. The purpose of this study is to identify the features that a computerized Health-Related Quality of Life questionnaire, which has been designed through Questionnaire Service, should support, when it is being used from the patients and the healthcare providers. These features come from the needs of a specific group of healthcare providers. In this exploratory three-phase study, qualitative methods were used. Firstly, observations and individual semi-structured interviews were used to elicit the user needs and identify the features of the computerized questionnaire. Subsequently, content analysis was used to analyze the data and a wireframe prototype was developed. Finally, the prototype was evaluated with the use of a scenario and semi-structured interviews, covering the all the levels of use of the computerized HRQoL questionnaire by the patients and the health providers. The qualitative methods that provided useful information regarding the current use of a paper-based Voice Handicap Index questionnaire service by Speech and Language Pathologists. Problems elicited that the users face by using a paper-based HRQoL instrument and which are related to process complexity, data reliability, as well as environmental issues. Additionally, important features for these types of tools were identified, related to enabling flexibility in completing the questionnaire, instant accessibility to the data produced, as well support for the follow-up processes and integration with EHR. Also, concerns regarding the new way of handling the data were expressed. The research also provided with a wireframe prototype of the computerized HRQoL questionnaire, designed according its use by the patients and the healthcare provider. The user-centered design as well as the user-based evaluation identified the needs of the users towards a HRQoL instrument and also suggested general features that can applied in a computerized HRQoL questionnaire used from patients and different healthcare professionals in similar clinical contexts.