The Assessment Of The Usability Of The Vestibular Rehabilitation Application
Introduction
Vestibular rehabilitation is used for decreased vestibular function and dizziness. Adaptation exercises are one aspect of vestibular rehabilitation and are recommended in the treatment of these conditions. These exercises are predominantly paper-based which may lead to difficulty in progression of the exercises and monitoring of compliance.
Aims and Objectives
The aim of the study was to assess the usability of an electronic tablet application; the Vestibular Rehabilitation Application (VRA) in patients with a complaint of dizziness who were undergoing vestibular rehabilitation.
The objectives of the study were to assess usability under three main headings of effectiveness, efficiency and satisfaction as recommended by the International Standardisation Organisation (ISO) in 1998
Methods
A convenience sample (n=12) was recruited. Baseline assessments included age, Dynamic Visual Acuity Test, level of education, Dizziness Handicap Inventory, Visual Analogue Scale for dizziness and the length of time it took the participant to be trained up on the use of the tablet and VRA. The participant used the VRA for one week and then completed the System Usability Scale (SUS) and the Systems Usability Measurement Inventory (SUMI) along with a semi structured interview
Results
The length of time to train the participant, previous use of apps and age were the biggest predictors of usability. There were no correlations with usability and levels of dizziness. Participants noted decreased effectiveness and efficiency in their use of the app but would use the VRA in future rehabilitation.
Conclusions
This study suggests that training time, previous use of apps and age are the biggest predictors of usability.
Implications of Findings
The VRA was deemed as “usable” however there should be some changes to the app before further use in treatment.
History
First Supervisor
Dr Dara MeldrumComments
A thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of MSc in Neurology and Gerontology to the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland in 2016.Published Citation
Hassett P. The Assessment Of The Usability Of The Vestibular Rehabilitation Application [MSc Thesis]. Dublin: Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland; 2016.Degree Name
- MSc Neurology and Gerontology