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Published on: November 13, 2016
An Online Epilepsy Self-Management Tool for Patients With Epilepsy: A Formative Usability Study
Katarzyna Czerniak1, Ross Shegog1, Refugio Sepulveda2
1Center for Health Promotion & Prevention Research, School of Public Health, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, University Center Tower, Suite #2672-2, 7000 Fannin St., Houston, TX, 77030, United States, 1 713-500-9612.
The Management Information & Decision Support Epilepsy Tool (MINDSET 2.0) showed high usability and patient acceptance for epilepsy self-management. Adjustments were made to improve goal setting and algorithm logic for better clinical implementation.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Digital Health
- Health Informatics
Background:
- Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder requiring continuous self-management to mitigate seizures and improve quality of life.
- Access to epilepsy care and self-management resources can be challenging, particularly for underserved populations.
- The Management Information & Decision Support Epilepsy Tool (MINDSET) was developed to improve access to epilepsy self-management (ESM) assessment and treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the user experience and functionality of MINDSET 2.0, an enhanced online platform for epilepsy self-management.
- To identify areas for improvement in user interface, goal setting, and algorithmic recommendations before large-scale clinical testing.
Main Methods:
- A formative usability pilot study was conducted with six patients with epilepsy.
- Participants engaged in online usability sessions, completing surveys, interacting with MINDSET 2.0, and providing feedback through rating scales and interviews.
- Systematic examination of embedded algorithms was performed to ensure functional fidelity and identify logical inconsistencies.
Main Results:
- Patients reported low adherence to ESM behaviors across management domains.
- Over 80% found MINDSET 2.0 acceptable, easy to use, and motivational, enhancing their epilepsy management and shared decision-making with providers.
- Challenges were noted in goal selection and action plan development due to response option constraints, and an algorithm logic inconsistency was identified.
Conclusions:
- MINDSET 2.0 demonstrates significant potential for enhancing epilepsy self-management and patient engagement.
- Formative usability testing is crucial for refining digital health tools, ensuring high-fidelity and user-centered design prior to clinical deployment.
- Identified issues with user response options and algorithm logic were addressed to optimize the tool's effectiveness.
