Developing a quit smoking website that is usable by people with severe mental illnesses
Joelle C Ferron1, Mary F Brunette, Gregory J McHugo
1Dartmouth Psychiatric Research Center, Lebanon, NH 03766, USA. joelle.c.ferron@dartmouth.edu
Psychiatric Rehabilitation Journal
|October 25, 2011
Summary
Developing user-friendly websites for adults with severe mental illness is crucial for smoking cessation. Iterative usability testing improved website design, making it more accessible and effective for this population.
Area of Science:
- Digital Health
- Mental Health Technology
- Health Informatics
Background:
- Web-based interventions offer consistent delivery of evidence-based treatments.
- Standard websites may pose usability challenges for individuals with severe mental illness due to cognitive deficits and limited computer experience.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report on the iterative development and usability testing of a website.
- To educate and motivate adults with severe mental illnesses (SMI) to engage in smoking cessation activities.
Main Methods:
- Three phases of semi-structured interviews were conducted post-program use.
- Usability data from screen recordings were analyzed.
- T-tests compared initial and later versions of the computer program.
Main Results:
- Iterative usability testing showed increased ease of use from the first to the last website version.
- Significant improvements were observed in reduced unproductive clicking and fewer user questions.
- Design modifications included a mouse tutorial, larger font sizes, and larger button sizes.
Conclusions:
- Usability recommendations can guide interventionists in developing web tools for individuals with serious psychiatric disabilities.
- Thoughtful design and rigorous usability testing are essential when creating websites for individuals with severe mental illness.
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