Journal article
Usability Testing of the iPhone App to Improve Pain Assessment for Older Adults with Cognitive Impairment (Prehospital Setting): A Qualitative Study
Pain Medicine, Vol.19(6), pp.1121-1131
2018
Abstract
Objectives.Pain assessment in older adults with cognitive impairment is often challenging, and paramedics are not given sufficient tools/training to assess pain. The development of a mobile app may improve pain assessment and management in this vulnerable population. We conducted usability testing of a newly developed iPhone pain assessment application with potential users, in this case as a tool for clinical paramedic practice to improve pain assessment of older adults with cognitive impairment. Methods.We conducted usability testing with paramedic students and a Delphi panel of qualified paramedics. Participants studied the app and paper-based algorithm from which the app was developed. The potential use for the app was discussed. Usability testing focus groups were recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using a thematic approach. Proposed recommendations were disseminated to the Delphi panel that reviewed and confirmed them. Results.Twenty-four paramedic students from two UK ambulance services participated in the focus groups. Usability of the app and its potential were viewed positively. Four major themes were identified: 1) overall opinion of the app for use in paramedic services; 2) incorporating technological applications into the health care setting; 3) improving knowledge and governance; and 4) alternative uses for the app. Subthemes were identified and are presented. Discussion.Our results indicate that the pain assessment app constitutes a potentially useful tool in the prehospital setting. By providing access to a tool specifically developed to help identify/assess pain in a user-friendly format, paramedics are likely to have increased knowledge and confidence in assessing pain in patients with dementia.
Details
- Title
- Usability Testing of the iPhone App to Improve Pain Assessment for Older Adults with Cognitive Impairment (Prehospital Setting): A Qualitative Study
- Authors
- R E Docking (Corresponding Author) - Anglia Ruskin University, United KingdomMatthew A Lane (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Science, Health, Education and EngineeringP A Schofield (Author) - Anglia Ruskin University, United Kingdom
- Publication details
- Pain Medicine, Vol.19(6), pp.1121-1131
- Publisher
- Oxford University Press
- Date published
- 2018
- DOI
- 10.1093/pm/pnx028
- ISSN
- 1526-2375
- Copyright note
- Copyright © 2017 Oxford University Press. This is a pre-copy-editing, author-produced PDF of an article accepted for publication in Pain Medicine following peer review. The definitive publisher-authenticated version is available online at: http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/pm/pnx028
- Organisation Unit
- University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; School of Nursing, Midwifery and Paramedicine - Legacy; School of Health - Paramedicine
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99450337702621
- Output Type
- Journal article
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