SOSteniamoci: Usability Study

The goal of this observational study is to test the usability of the SOSteniamoci platform, culturally adapted from the Lithuanian context, for informal caregivers in Italy. The main goals were to (1) collect qualitative and quantitative data on usability and (2) identify usability problems. A balanced gender-age sample of 10 individuals meeting the inclusion criteria was consecutively recruited online. The think-aloud testing method, the system usability scale, and an ad hoc semi-structured interview were employed to determine the overall system usability.

The study employed a mixed methods sequential explanatory design approach, comprising the following end-user testing: (1) a phase of collection and analysis of measures of performance employing the think-aloud method, (2) a phase of collection and analysis of quantitative data through the use of a System Usability Scale (SUS) and (3) a phase of collection and analysis of qualitative data through the use of an ad hoc semi-structured interview to further explain the results obtained in the earlier stages. Ten individuals who showed interest in participating in the SOSteniamoci project by writing to the email address behind the official website (https://www.iterapi.se/sites/sosteniamoci/) were consecutively asked to take part in the usability test based on the inclusion criteria. A balanced gender-age sampling was used to best reflects the heterogeneity of the population. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, all procedures were performed online (completion time: 45 mins, on average). First, each participant received an email with a) the link to the online meeting, including the date and time, and b) the link and access credentials of the SOSteniamoci platform. Before starting the usability test, the researcher provided detailed information about the test procedures and described the purpose of the computer-based self-management system. Participants were then asked to give their online informed consent, provide demographic information, and report on their level of comfort with computers and the Internet. They were also asked if they had already taken a usability test before. All participants were assigned a unique ID unrelated to their identity. Personal data were linked only to this unique ID and stored in a secure online platform accessible only by the research team and protected by a password.