Formative Research for Interface Design for Older Adults: Reducing Adverse Self-medication Behaviors
Abstract
The current project Reducing Adverse Self-Medication Behaviors in Older Adults builds on an earlier study by the investigators (Preventing Drug Interactions in Older Adults), in which a computer software program was developed to help older adults learn to avoid common, harmful, drug interactions. The program contains attractive, simplified animations demonstrating how two types of prescription medications (antihypertensives and anticoagulants) work in the human body, and how these can interact with over-thecounter (OTC) drugs and alcohol in ways that may lead to harmful health outcomes. The interface and animations were designed to be easy to use and appealing to older adults (those aged 60 and older) based on extensive, formative research into the aesthetic preferences, and visual and psychomotor requirements of this population. In a controlled, clinical trial, the program (delivered on touch-screenequipped laptop computers) was found to increase knowledge about drug interactions and perceived selfefficacy for avoiding the interactions, as well as to reduce reported harmful, self-medication practices among older adults who used the software as compared to control groups. Formative and usability research is now underway to develop a next generation interactive program that allows patients to enter their current, self-medication behaviors privately and independently on a wireless, touch-screen tablet PC. Patient-entered data are analyzed by the system so that educational content is delivered that is tailored to the patient’s particular risk behaviors. Patients use the program in a clinic waiting room prior to a visit with their care provider, and they bring a print-out of the computer session to their appointment. Thus, the PEP-NG improves patient-provider communication and practice, and makes optimal use of the patient’s and the clinician’s time.
Keywords
design and information technology: interface design, information design and IT enabled, interface accessibility design;the aged; interface accessibility design; usability of information/user testing;
Citation
Strickler, Z., Rauh, C., Neafsey, P., and Lin, C. (2006) Formative Research for Interface Design for Older Adults: Reducing Adverse Self-medication Behaviors, in Friedman, K., Love, T., Côrte-Real, E. and Rust, C. (eds.), Wonderground - DRS International Conference 2006, 1-4 November, Lisbon, Portugal. https://dl.designresearchsociety.org/drs-conference-papers/drs2006/researchpapers/100
Formative Research for Interface Design for Older Adults: Reducing Adverse Self-medication Behaviors
The current project Reducing Adverse Self-Medication Behaviors in Older Adults builds on an earlier study by the investigators (Preventing Drug Interactions in Older Adults), in which a computer software program was developed to help older adults learn to avoid common, harmful, drug interactions. The program contains attractive, simplified animations demonstrating how two types of prescription medications (antihypertensives and anticoagulants) work in the human body, and how these can interact with over-thecounter (OTC) drugs and alcohol in ways that may lead to harmful health outcomes. The interface and animations were designed to be easy to use and appealing to older adults (those aged 60 and older) based on extensive, formative research into the aesthetic preferences, and visual and psychomotor requirements of this population. In a controlled, clinical trial, the program (delivered on touch-screenequipped laptop computers) was found to increase knowledge about drug interactions and perceived selfefficacy for avoiding the interactions, as well as to reduce reported harmful, self-medication practices among older adults who used the software as compared to control groups. Formative and usability research is now underway to develop a next generation interactive program that allows patients to enter their current, self-medication behaviors privately and independently on a wireless, touch-screen tablet PC. Patient-entered data are analyzed by the system so that educational content is delivered that is tailored to the patient’s particular risk behaviors. Patients use the program in a clinic waiting room prior to a visit with their care provider, and they bring a print-out of the computer session to their appointment. Thus, the PEP-NG improves patient-provider communication and practice, and makes optimal use of the patient’s and the clinician’s time.