Information Architecture of Web-Based Interventions to Improve Health Outcomes: Systematic Review

Area of Science:

• Digital Health
• Human-Computer Interaction
• Health Informatics

Background:

• Digital health behavior change interventions are growing with increased technology access.
• Information architecture (IA), the organization of digital content, is crucial for usability in digital health.
• Empirical evidence on IA's impact on health behavior and outcomes is lacking.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review literature on website information architecture's effect on health outcomes, behavioral outcomes, and website engagement.

Main Methods:

• Searched multiple databases (PubMed, CINAHL, Google Scholar, etc.) using terms related to IA, health behavior, and health outcomes.
• Included empirical research examining IA's influence on health/behavioral outcomes or website engagement.
• Assessed study quality and extracted data, but limited health outcome data precluded meta-analysis.

Main Results:

• Only three publications met inclusion criteria; one isolated IA's impact, two included other website features.
• A 'tunnel' IA improved engagement and knowledge but reduced perceived efficiency.
• Enhanced or tailored site conditions improved usage and, in one case, behavior outcomes.

Conclusions:

• Limited evidence exists to conclude IA's relationship with health outcomes, behavioral outcomes, or website engagement.
• Recommend further empirical studies isolating IA's impact.
• Suggest incorporating gray literature and expert opinion to build evidence for IA in health.