Development, Usability Testing, and Promotion of the English- and Spanish-language RESCUE Stroke Caregiver Websites

ABSTRACT

Background

Caregivers of stroke survivors need trusted information on stroke prevention, rehabilitation, and self-care.

Purpose

Develop and evaluate the English and Spanish-language RESCUE stroke caregiver websites and conduct a promotional campaign to enhance their reach.

Methods

We developed websites by partnering with organizations and using health communication guidelines for consumer-oriented, age-appropriate, and culturally sensitive materials. Healthcare provider focus groups and caregiver interviews were conducted to obtain feedback. Websites were refined and assessed for usability through “think aloud” testing and surveys. We implemented a multi-faceted promotional campaign and measured website visits.

Results

Providers (N = 32) and caregivers (N = 47) responded positively to the websites, describing them as comprehensive and appropriate. Usability testing indicated the websites were appealing, informative, and organized. Caregivers with minimal computer skills had difficulty navigating the websites. The websites received 218,529 visits over 2 years. Promotional activities corresponded with increases in website visits.

Discussion

Involving end-users and collaborating with partners enhances the accessibility and relevance of online health resources. Multi-faceted promotional efforts and key stakeholder partnerships are required to enhance and sustain the reach of online caregiving resources.

Translation to Health Education Practice: The RESCUE websites are comprehensive public sources of evidence-based materials to support stroke patients and their caregivers.

Acknowledgments

We would like to acknowledge Lindsay Hall, Jini Hanjian, and Sharon Anderson for their contributions to this project.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Supplemental data

Supplemental data for this article can be accessed online at https://doi.org/10.1080/19325037.2022.2048747.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Health Services Research and Development Service Quality Enhancement Research Initiative (QUERI) #06-327. Contents do not represent the views of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or the U.S. Government.