Digital tools and self-administered home blood tests: A convergent mixed methods pilot study

Area of Science:

• Digital Health
• Decentralized Clinical Trials
• Usability Studies

Background:

• Digital tools and home blood tests offer flexible data collection and sample management in research.
• Evaluation in real-world settings is crucial for these innovative approaches.
• This study examined user experiences with digital tools for trial management and home blood testing.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore user experiences with a web-based digital tool for trial management, symptom reporting, and home blood testing.
• To assess the usability and perceived effectiveness of digital tools and self-administered blood tests in a decentralized trial setting.

Main Methods:

• A 12-week mixed-method study involving 43 middle-aged participants.
• Utilized digital tools for trial management, self-reported health data, and self-administered glycated hemoglobin A1c home blood tests.
• Assessed usability via the mHealth App Usability Questionnaire (MAUQ) and semi-structured interviews.

Main Results:

• Digital consent (94.7%) and home blood tests (100%) were well-received.
• Participants found information access challenging (52.9% disagreed) and did not perceive tools as highly effective for health management (52.9% disagreed).
• Interviews highlighted the need for motivation, support, clarity, usability, safety, and security.

Conclusions:

• Self-administered blood tests and online consent are user-friendly components of decentralized trials.
• Improvements in digital tool navigation and information accessibility are necessary for enhanced usability.
• Addressing participant challenges can optimize the effectiveness of digital health tools in research.