Comparative Usability Analysis and Parental Preferences of Three Web-Based Knowledge Translation Tools: Multimethod...

Area of Science:

• Child Health Research
• Knowledge Translation (KT)
• Health Communication

Background:

• Connecting parents with research evidence improves health decision-making.
• Effective knowledge translation (KT) tools for child health evidence are lacking.

Purpose of the Study:

• Compare the usability of three web-based KT tools.
• Identify parent preferences for health information formats.
• Understand factors influencing usability for parents.

Main Methods:

• Comparative usability analysis of a Cochrane plain language summary (PLS), Blogshot, and Wikipedia page.
• Mixed-methods approach: knowledge tests, usability questionnaires, and semistructured interviews.
• Statistical analysis (Kruskal-Wallis) and thematic analysis of parent feedback.

Main Results:

• Parents preferred Blogshot over PLS and Wikipedia (P=.002).
• Blogshot was rated easiest to use (P=.001) and most aesthetic (P=.001).
• Blogshot effectively relayed information and met parent criteria for simplicity, accessibility, trustworthiness, and actionable advice.

Conclusions:

• Accessible and understandable child health evidence formats are crucial for parents.
• Blogshot emerged as a preferred and effective KT tool for parents.
• Further research on KT tool usability with diverse populations and conditions is recommended.