Docking_2017.pdf (342.41 kB)
Usability Testing of the iPhone App to Improve Pain Assessment for Older Adults with Cognitive Impairment (Prehospital Setting): A Qualitative Study
journal contribution
posted on 2023-08-30, 14:41 authored by Rachael Docking, Matthew Lane, Patricia SchofieldOBJECTIVES. :
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.
History
Refereed
- Yes
Volume
19Issue number
6Page range
1121-1131Publication title
Pain MedicineISSN
1526-4637External DOI
Publisher
Oxford University PressFile version
- Accepted version
Language
- eng
Official URL
Legacy posted date
2017-06-02Legacy creation date
2017-04-06Legacy Faculty/School/Department
ARCHIVED Faculty of Health, Social Care & Education (until September 2018)Note
This is a pre-copyedited, author-produced version of an article accepted for publication in 'Pain Medicine' following peer review. The version of record is available online at: https://doi.org/10.1093/pm/pnx028Usage metrics
Categories
No categories selectedLicence
Exports
RefWorks
BibTeX
Ref. manager
Endnote
DataCite
NLM
DC