Changes in User Perceptions of a Telemedicine System Over Time: From Initial Implementation to Everyday Use

Area of Science:

• Health Informatics
• Human-Computer Interaction
• Medical Technology

Background:

• Telemedicine benefits depend on user perceptions, yet research in this area is limited.
• Assessing user perceptions is crucial for successful telemedicine implementation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate changes in user perceptions of a telemedicine system over 18 months of daily use.
• To apply a usability approach to understand long-term user experience with telemedicine.

Main Methods:

• A hospital-based telemedicine system was used by 10 mobile nurses.
• The System Usability Scale (SUS) was administered after initial use and again after 18 months.
• Analysis included adjective rating scales to assess user perceptions.

Main Results:

• Initial usability was rated "excellent" (SUS mean=83), declining to "OK" (SUS mean=64.38) after 18 months.
• Over time, nurses reported decreased desire for frequent use, increased perceived complexity, and greater design inconsistency.
• Statistical analysis confirmed significant changes in user perceptions (p < 0.05).

Conclusions:

• Positive user perceptions of telemedicine systems are often temporary and diminish with extended use.
• Design inconsistency and perceived complexity emerge as key issues impacting long-term usability.
• Continuous monitoring and adaptation of telemedicine systems are necessary to sustain user engagement and maximize benefits.