Learning from usability testing of an arts-based knowledge translation tool for parents of a child with asthma.

Mandy M Archibald,Shannon D Scott

doi:10.1002/nop2.369

Abstract

AimDigital, art‐ and story‐based resources can be viable and engaging knowledge translation strategies in health care. Understanding the usability of these approaches can help maximize their impact. The aim of this work is to understand what aspects of ‘My Asthma Diary’, an art‐based digital knowledge translation tool for parents of children with asthma, has an impact on usability.DesignSequential explanatory mixed methods pilot study.MethodsEighteen parents of children with asthma reviewed ‘My Asthma Diary’ in a paediatric emergency department and completed a usability questionnaire. Follow‐up interviews were conducted with five parents and analysed with qualitative description.ResultsWe identified four themes which complemented the quantitative results: (a) the eBooks are relatable and mirror personal experience; (b) the digital format is convenient and easy to navigate; (c) the narrative structure aids learning; and (d) the narrative and illustrations are synergistic. We summarize core usability considerations for subsequent research and creative knowledge translation tool development in other contexts.

Highlights

Persons are arbitrators of their own presence in the world and they should have the last word... texts must always return to and reflect the words persons speak as they attempt to give meaning and shape to the lives they lead.(Denzin, 2014, p. 4)How can creative methods of representing research be optimized to improve research engagement and optimize illness self‐management?Creative knowledge translation (KT) strategies are increasingly re‐ garded as viable means of supporting this engagement by providing re‐ search evidence in palatable, meaningful and comprehensible formats (Archibald, Caine, & Scott, 2014)
Arts‐based KT can leverage multiple learning styles, emotional understanding and forms of knowledge beyond the explicit, propositional knowledge characteristic of didactic teaching approaches (Archibald, Caine, & Scott, 2017; Archibald et al, 2014). These attributes have utility in various health and illness contexts and may be pertinent to enduring illness contexts such as childhood asthma because of the experiential knowledge that indi‐ viduals bring to each healthcare encounter and management scenario (Archibald, Hartling, Caine, Ali, & Scott, 2018)
Research continues to show that par‐ ents have pervasive unmet information needs around childhood asthma (Archibald, Caine, Ali, Hartling, & Scott, 2015; Archibald & Scott, 2014; McMullen et al, 2007)

Summary

Introduction

Persons are arbitrators of their own presence in the world and they should have the last word... texts must always return to and reflect the words persons speak as they attempt to give meaning and shape to the lives they lead.(Denzin, 2014, p. 4)How can creative methods of representing research be optimized to improve research engagement and optimize illness self‐management?Creative knowledge translation (KT) strategies are increasingly re‐ garded as viable means of supporting this engagement by providing re‐ search evidence in palatable, meaningful and comprehensible formats (Archibald, Caine, & Scott, 2014). Arts‐based KT can leverage multiple learning styles, emotional understanding and forms of knowledge beyond the explicit, propositional knowledge characteristic of didactic teaching approaches (Archibald, Caine, & Scott, 2017; Archibald et al, 2014) These attributes have utility in various health and illness contexts and may be pertinent to enduring illness contexts such as childhood asthma because of the experiential knowledge that indi‐ viduals bring to each healthcare encounter and management scenario (Archibald, Hartling, Caine, Ali, & Scott, 2018). Research continues to show that par‐ ents have pervasive unmet information needs around childhood asthma (Archibald, Caine, Ali, Hartling, & Scott, 2015; Archibald & Scott, 2014; McMullen et al, 2007) This points to shortcomings in how research evidence on asthma management has been mobilized and communicated to parents (i.e. often through standard informa‐ tion sheets or verbal information provision only) (Archibald et al, 2015). These shortcomings contribute to poor asthma control and avoidable burdens on the family (e.g. frequent exacerbations, missed school and work) and healthcare system (e.g. high use and cost)

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