OBJECTIVES:

To evaluate the use of electronic Clinical Outcomes Assessments (eCOAs) including the Diabetes Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire for teenagers with diabetes (DTSQ-Teen) and the DTSQ-Parent for their parents/guardians, via Usability Testing.

METHODS:

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 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 provide baseline treatment satisfaction scores, while the change version 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.

RESULTS:

The participants provided feedback regarding their general impression of the use of the electronic device (logging in, presentation, etc.). As demonstrated, all users confirmed the overall usability of the device was satisfactory.

CONCLUSIONS:

The usability testing confirmed that individuals, aged 13-17, diagnosed with Type I Diabetes and their parents/guardians found the DTSQ electronic implementation of the application on the tablet to be user-friendly, easy-to-navigate, and suitable for reporting of treatment satisfaction.