Acceptance and usability testing of a visual care-navigation tool for patients, survivors, caregivers, nurses, and oncologists.

Abstract

e13064 Background: Breast cancer patients (BCP) and family caregivers (CG) describe their experience as a difficult hike, without access to a map, relevant gear, or a guide. The shrinking oncologist workforce has ~24 minutes per patient to communicate the condition, treatment plan and answer questions. Many use hand-drawn visuals – analogous to a map or process flow diagrams. 97% of BCP use Dr. Google™, which results in “Cancer Information Overload” and non-evidence-based activities. A team of survivors, cartographers, and oncologists developed an interactive cancer map and self-management platform to coach BCP to navigate treatment. Using equitable design, features include: (a) 7th grade reading level; (b) written content and audio/video assets; (c) supporting the user from diagnosis through survivorship to make the platform accessible to a diverse population. After acceptance testing showed high willingness to use & recommend (ASCO Quality 2023;552), we tested the platform’s usability through observed use and task-analysis. Methods: A convenience sample of BCP, CG and oncology HCP [including advanced practice providers (APP)] underwent a usability test in two waves. We defined a set of tasks the users should be able to accomplish. We observed the users during a 30-minute virtual session and recorded the session, noted the task accomplishments, and any issues. Issues from wave 1 were addressed and incorporated into the test for wave 2. Results: We tested two waves of users between November 30, 2023 and February 1, 2024. The results are shown in the table. After wave 1, we modified the platform and tested the maps with wave 2 users. Two core usability features were added between waves: (a) user drill down to access a more detailed level of the map; (b) a product tour guiding the user through the tool, which addressed qualitative user observations that showed initial confusion as to how to begin navigation. Conclusions: Cartographically represented maps of the cancer journey and the self-management tools are acceptable to BCP, survivors, and CG and are usable. Per the ASCO Quality 2023;552 poster, the platform is acceptable to HCPs and not perceived to increase work, and APPs found value in the platform to enable education. Features have been added to ensure a diverse population can easily use the platform including guided walk through and welcome videos. [Table: see text]