A WeChat applet-based national remote emergency system for malignant hyperthermia in China: a usability study

Area of Science:

• Anesthesiology
• Health Informatics
• Medical Education

Background:

• Malignant hyperthermia (MH) is a rare, life-threatening anesthetic emergency, particularly in China.
• A WeChat applet, the National Remote Emergency System for Malignant Hyperthermia (MH-NRES), was developed to aid Chinese anesthesiologists in managing MH crises.
• Evaluating the usability of this MH-NRES applet is crucial for its effective implementation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the usability of the applet-based MH-NRES among anesthesiologists.
• To validate the reliability and effectiveness of a modified mHealth app usability questionnaire.

Main Methods:

• A modified User Version of the Mobile Application Rating Scale (uMARS) was employed.
• The System Usability Scale (SUS) and Post-Study System Usability Questionnaire (PSSUQ) were used alongside uMARS for comprehensive evaluation.
• Internal consistency of uMARS was assessed using Cronbach's alpha, and correlations between questionnaires were calculated.

Main Results:

• 118 anesthesiologists participated, yielding high overall usability scores.
• The MH-NRES achieved a mean uMARS score of 4.43/5, with PSSUQ scores indicating good to excellent usability and SUS scores averaging 76.0.
• uMARS demonstrated excellent internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.984) and strong correlations with PSSUQ and SUS.

Conclusions:

• The MH-NRES applet exhibits high quality in terms of ease of use, user satisfaction, and perceived usefulness.
• The system is potentially a valuable tool for anesthesiologists in education and managing MH emergencies.
• Further evaluation through high-fidelity simulation and clinical scenarios is recommended to confirm its utility.