Teens Give Thumbs Up To Electronic Diabetes Assessments

By B. Barrasso B, N. Erpelding N, L. Hedderly, T. Larrow T, and E. Sweeney E

Ten individuals, aged 13-17, diagnosed with Type I Diabetes and their parents/guardians were recruited to participate in qualitative interviews regarding the usability of the device and software.

The purpose of the study was explained to each participant and they were tasked with the completion of the DTSQ-Teen or DTSQ-Parent as part of the eCOA application on a tablet (Screen size: 10.1 inches / Resolution: 1920 x 1200 pixel).

The DTSQ-Teen and DTSQ-Parent (©Bradley) are comprised of two different forms: the status version (DTSQs-Teen and DTSQs-Parent) and the change version (DTSQc-Teen and DTSQc-Parent). The status versions can be used at baseline and other time points to measure satisfaction with treatment in the previous few weeks. The change version compares current with previous treatment and is sensitive to changes in treatment satisfaction even when baseline ceiling effects are apparent.

The use of these forms on the device and eCOA application interface were tested through face-to-face interviews with individuals who met the required inclusion criteria.

A Usability Form was provided as a basis for discussion between the interviewer and each participant and served as a navigational tool for each conversation. Specific feedback regarding navigation, the ability and ease to edit responses, button usability, intuitiveness of onscreen icons, as well as font readability were also discussed.

This paper reviews the themes and questions the interviewer utilized as needed to elicit information from each participant as well as the feedback provided by the participants.