Optimizing Usability of Digital Health Interventions for Nondigitally Native Adults: A Framework-Based Approach to...

Health-related technology use among nondigitally native adults is becoming widespread. Nevertheless, digital health interventions are typically not designed with the unique usability needs and preferences of this population in mind. Furthermore, most of these middle-aged and older adults are managing multiple medical conditions, which can also impact their preferences related to digital health interventions. A prime opportunity to address multimorbidity in nondigital natives using a digital health intervention is the intersection between mental health and chronic pain.

The goal of this study was to use established frameworks and end-user feedback to identify actionable, usability-related features that can be incorporated into existing digital health interventions and that are preferred among nondigitally native adults. We aimed to identify general usability adaptations, as well as just-in-time adaptive interventions (JITAIs).

We conducted a qualitative usability study of a convenience sample using a hybrid inductive-deductive content analysis to evaluate an existing mental health app (Wysa for Chronic Pain). Participants were 45 years or older; reported at least moderate symptoms of depression or anxiety (Patient Health Questionnaire -9 ≥10 or Generalized Anxiety Disorder -7 score ≥10); and endorsed having pain at least most days in the past 3 months. The Framework for Reporting Adaptations and Modifications to Evidence-based Implementation Strategies was used to identify potential usability-related adaptations for the target population. Development of usability-related JITAIs was guided by Nahum-Shani's pragmatic framework for JITAI development and the Behavioral Integration Technology model.

Forty-two participants completed usability testing (mean age 57, SD 8 years; women n=32, 76%). Participants identified numerous opportunities to optimize their user experience, primarily by ensuring the app clearly describes how all its features are intended to be used and by minimizing navigation burden. Specifically, participants requested clear, step-by-step orientation and navigation instructions, rather than a brief onboarding experience that relies on user-led exploration and familiarity with conventional app symbols. Participants also recommended a customized experience based on their unique usage patterns. The most common JITAI opportunity identified was to strategically reduce user notifications in order to reduce the risk of notification fatigue and subsequent complete disengagement with the app.

Identifying actionable opportunities to improve usability and prompt engagement with "the right tool at the right time for the right person" holds promise to improve the effectiveness of digital health interventions across the age span. The usability-related refinement opportunities identified in this study are generalizable to other digital health interventions that are relevant to older users who are likely to be managing multimorbidity, are not digital natives, and are more likely than younger users to have physical or cognitive challenges. The integrated framework-based process described in this article can also serve as a model for optimizing other existing digital health interventions.