Usability of the Participation and Quality of Life (PAR-QoL) Outcomes Toolkit Website for Spinal Cord Injury

Top Spinal Cord Inj Rehabil, 2020 · DOI: 10.1310/sci2601-64 · Published: January 1, 2020

Spinal Cord Injury Participation Telehealth & Digital Health

Simple Explanation

This study aimed to evaluate the use and usability of the Participation and Quality of Life (PAR-QoL) toolkit, a website designed to aid clinicians and researchers in selecting Quality of Life (QoL) outcomes tools specific to Spinal Cord Injury (SCI). The study found that while the website had a large number of visitors, the uptake and continued use were limited. This was attributed to factors such as a lack of promotion, declining website activity, and usability issues. The authors suggest improvements such as modifying navigation, removing less useful components, ensuring regular updates, and promoting the website to enhance its usability and encourage more widespread adoption.

Study Duration

4 Years

Participants

46 survey respondents, website had 188,577 users

Evidence Level

Cross-sectional study

Key Findings

1
The PAR-QoL website had 188,577 users, but the bounce rate was high at 82%, indicating that many users left the site after viewing only one page.
2
Of the survey respondents, 67% were not current users of the PAR-QoL website, but 87% intended to use the resources in the future.
3
The most useful feature of the website was reported to be the outcome tools (80%).

Research Summary

The study evaluated the usability and uptake of the PAR-QoL website, an online toolkit for selecting QoL outcome tools specific to SCI. It used Google Analytics and an online survey based on the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). Results showed high website traffic but low engagement, with a high bounce rate and limited use of interactive features. Survey respondents suggested improvements in navigation, content updates, and promotion. The authors concluded that while the website has potential, modifications are needed to enhance usability, increase user engagement, and promote broader adoption among clinicians and researchers in the SCI field.

Practical Implications

Improved Website Design

Modifying website navigation based on user feedback can improve the user experience and increase the likelihood of users finding relevant information.

Content Updates and Maintenance

Regularly updating content and resources, including psychometric properties of outcome tools, ensures that the website remains a valuable and reliable source of information.

Targeted Promotion Strategies

Implementing targeted promotion strategies, such as social media campaigns and collaborations with professional organizations, can increase the visibility and uptake of the website.

Study Limitations

1
Small sample size of survey respondents (46 visitors)
2
Potential risk of bias due to convenience sampling through research networks
3
Lack of standardized reminders and incentives in the survey recruitment process

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