Older adults’ use of an online decision support system: Usability and stability of assistive technology recommendations

ABSTRACT

Online decision support systems (DSS) may help older adults self-select assistive technology (AT) by offering recommendations. User interactions with DSSs may change the recommendations they receive. Objective: We evaluated recommendations stability and usability of an online DSS. Methods: Middle-aged and older adults (n = 43) were observed while using the DSS. The stability of DSS recommendations (ATs and advice) was compared between two time points, using a three-point scale: no, partial, or full agreement. Usability was coded, referencing ISO standards. Results: Half (51%) of participants received AT recommendations from the DSS in both sessions, with full (14%) or partial (12%) agreement. All but one participant received advice, and almost all of them had full (40%) or partial (56%) agreement between sessions. Many of the usability issues appear to be the result of the users inaccurately measuring their environment, challenges in understanding the questions being asked, and improperly making selections from the system. Discussion: Strict AT matching rules versus generic advice, and usability issues, likely reduced the matching rate and stability of AT recommendations. Conclusion: It appears that some users may require assistance with the system, and we suggest changes to the DSS format and content to improve stability and usability.

KEYWORDS:

• activities of daily living
• aging
• assistive technology
• decision support system
• information and communication technologies
• validation studies

Data availability

The data that support the findings of this study are available on request from the corresponding author [email protected], CA.

Disclosure statement

All authors declare they have no conflicts of interest.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the AGE-WELL Network of Centres of Excellence (Grant # AW CRP 2015-WP8.1). Drs Auger and Guay received salary support from the Fonds de Recherche en Santé du Québec (FRQS) and Dr Mortenson from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR). The 2016 version of the ADL Smartcare^LTD system was shown during the interviews. It was modified since then to address some of the limitations identified.