Usability Evaluation of eCoaching for Family Carers of Older Adults: Think-Aloud and User Acceptance Testing

TL;DR

This study evaluates an online eCoaching platform to support family carers of older adults by assessing usability and user acceptance through think-aloud and testing sessions.

Contribution

The study introduces a novel eCoaching platform designed to improve mental health and self-efficacy among family carers through cognitive behavioral therapy and self-care strategies.

Findings

Think-aloud sessions identified usability challenges and user navigation difficulties.

Participants provided feedback on content relevance, ease of use, and design improvements.

Findings informed platform refinements for a future randomized controlled trial.

Abstract

Carers of older adults encounter significant barriers in using center-based support services due to caregiving demands and flexed operation hours. Online interventions may help bridge that gap by improving flexibility and accessibility for those who are unable to receive center-based support services. The eCoaching platform promotes mental health and resilience among family carers managing caregiving demands through interactive modules on cognitive behavioral therapy, self-care strategies, resilience-building, lifestyle modifications to enhance carers’ emotional well-being and self-care self-efficacy. Multiple methods were applied in two phases of this formative usability evaluation. In phase one, think-aloud methodology was employed to understand carers’ interactions with the platform and identify usability challenges. Six participants engaged in a 60-minute testing session, verbalizing their thoughts and impressions while navigating the eCoaching platform. Following the think-aloud sessions, semi-structured interviews were conducted to capture retrospective insights regarding participants’ experiences and difficulties encountered. In phase two, usability testing assessed the platform’s functionality over a one-week period. Nine participants used the eCoaching platform for approximately 30 minutes each day. Individual semi-structured interviews gathered in-depth feedback on usability and user experience, covering ease of use, content relevance, accessibility, and visual design. Participants shared their impressions, key takeaways, likelihood of future use, and suggestions for improvement, offering valuable insights for enhancing the eCoaching platform. Results from the usability study with end-users informed refinements to the eCoaching platform before its launch for evaluating its effectiveness in helping family carers of older adults manage their mental health in a three-arm randomized controlled trial in Hong Kong.