Overall Ease Of Use Research Articles

A head-to-head hands-on comparison of ERCP mechanical simulator (EMS) and Ex-vivo Porcine Stomach Model (PSM).

BACKGROUND: ERCP mechanical simulator (EMS) and ex-vivo porcine stomach model (PSM) have been described. No direct comparison was reported on endoscopists' perception regarding their efficacy for ERCP training OBJECTIVE: Comparative assessment of EMS and PSM. DESIGN: Questionnaire survey before and after practice. SETTING: Hands-on practice workshops. SUBJECTS: 22 endoscopists with prior experience in 111±225 (mean±SD) ERCP. INTERVENTIONS: Participants performed scope insertion, selective bile duct cannulation with guide wire and insertion of a single biliary stent. Simulated fluoroscopy with external pin-hole camera (EMS), or with additional transillumination (PSM) was used to monitor exchange of accessories. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Participants rated their understanding and confidence before and after hands-on practice, and credibility of each simulator for ERCP training. Comparative efficacy of EMS and PSM for ERCP education was scored (1=not, 10=very) based on pre and post practice surveys: realism (tissue pliability, papilla anatomy, visual/cannulation realism, wire manipulation, simulated fluoroscopy, overall experience); usefulness (assessment of results, supplementing clinical experience, easy for trainees to learn new skills) and application (overall ease of use, prepare trainees to use real instrument and ease of incorporation into training). RESULTS: Before hands-on practice, both EMS and PSM received high scores. After practice, there was a significantly greater increase in confidence score for EMS than PSM (p<0.003). Participants found EMS more useful for training (p=0.017). LIMITATIONS: Subjective scores. CONCLUSIONS: Based on head-to-head hands-on comparison, endoscopists considered both EMS and PSM credible options for improving understanding and supplementing clinical ERCP training. EMS is more useful for basic learning.

Perceptions of frontline staff regarding data collection methodologies used during the 2009 A H1N1 influenza immunization campaign in Canada

BackgroundDuring the 2009 H1N1 immunization campaign, electronic and hybrid (comprising both electronic and paper components) systems were employed to collect client-level vaccination data in clinics across Canada. Because different systems were used across the country, the 2009 immunization campaign offered an opportunity to study the usability of the various data collection methods.MethodsA convenience sample of clinic staff working in public health agencies and hospitals in 9 provinces/territories across Canada completed a questionnaire in which they indicated their level of agreement with seven statements regarding the usability of the data collection system employed at their vaccination clinic. Questions included overall ease of use, effectiveness of the method utilized, efficiency at completing tasks, comfort using the method, ability to recover from mistakes, ease of learning the method and overall satisfaction with the method. A 5-point Likert-type scale was used to measure responses.ResultsMost respondents (96%) were employed in sites run by public health. Respondents included 186 nurses and 114 administrative staff, among whom 90% and 47%, respectively, used a paper-based method for data collection. Approximately half the respondents had a year or less of experience with immunization-related tasks during seasonal influenza campaigns. Over 90% of all frontline staff found their data collection method easy to use, perceived it to be effective in helping them complete their tasks, felt quick and comfortable using the method, and found the method easy to learn, regardless of whether a hybrid or electronic system was used.ConclusionsThis study demonstrates that there may be a greater willingness of frontline immunization staff to adapt to new technologies than previously perceived by decision-makers. The public health community should recognize that usability may not be a barrier to implementing electronic methods for collecting individual-level immunization data.

Comparison of two ophthalmoscopes for direct ophthalmoscopy

To measure the ease of use and performance of the Optyse lens-free ophthalmoscope compared with the standard Keeler pocket ophthalmoscope, and to assess its suitability as an inexpensive ophthalmoscope for medical students. Randomized cross-over study. Twenty second-year medical students, 10 as ophthalmoscopists ('observers') and 10 as 'patients'. Students used both ophthalmoscopes to examine the optic disc in each eye of 10 'patients'. They were randomized as to the order in which they were used. A Consultant ophthalmologist was used as the gold standard. Main outcome measures were accuracy in estimating vertical cup:disc ratio (VCDR), ease of use (EOU) for each examination, and overall ease of use (OEOU). Of 400 attempted eye examinations, sufficient visualization was achieved in 220 cases to allow a VCDR estimation: 107/200 VCDR estimates with the Optyse and 113/200 with the Keeler. Accuracy of VCDR estimates was better with the Optyse by the equivalent of 0.05 VCDR (P = 0.002). There was no significant difference in EOU or OEOU between the two ophthalmoscopes. EOU for 400 examinations: median (IQR) of 6 (3-8) for Optyse versus 6 (3-8) for Keeler (P = 0.648). OEOU for 20 scores: median (IQR) of 6.5 (2-9) for Optyse versus 5.5 (3-8) for Keeler (P = 0.21). Medical students found the Optyse and Keeler pocket ophthalmoscopes to be of similar ease of use and performed slightly better with the Optyse when estimating VCDR. The lens-free Optyse ophthalmoscope is a reasonable alternative to the standard Keeler pocket ophthalmoscope.

A comparison of McGrath and Macintosh laryngoscopes in novice users: a manikin study

Direct laryngoscopy using the Macintosh laryngoscope is a difficult skill to acquire. Videolaryngoscopy is a widely accepted airway management technique that may be easier for novices to learn. We compared the McGrath videolaryngoscope and Macintosh laryngoscope by studying the performance of 25 medical students with no previous experience of performing tracheal intubation using an easy intubation scenario in a manikin. The order of device use was randomised for each student. After brief instruction each participant performed eight tracheal intubations with one device and then eight tracheal intubations with the other laryngoscope. Novices achieved a higher overall rate of successful tracheal intubation, avoided oesophageal intubation and produced less dental trauma when using the McGrath. The view at laryngoscopy was significantly better with the McGrath. Intubation times were similar for both laryngoscopes and became shorter with practice. There was no difference in participants' rating of overall ease of use for each laryngoscope.

Evaluating websites for older adults: adherence to ‘senior-friendly’ guidelines and end-user performance

Older adults in the US are the fastest-growing demographic, and also the largest-growing group of internet users. The aim of this research was to evaluate websites designed for older adults in terms of (i) how well they adhere to ‘senior-friendly’ guidelines and (ii) overall ease of use and satisfaction. In Experiment I, 40 websites designed for older adults were heuristically evaluated based on their adherence to usability guidelines derived by the National Institute on Aging and the National Library of Medicine. In Experiment II, three websites with varying levels of guideline compliance were evaluated by older adults in a usability test. Results from this study indicate that the website most compliant with the ‘senior-friendly’ guidelines resulted in higher task success, but did not result in significantly better efficiency, satisfaction, or preference. These findings demonstrate the importance of using both guidelines and usability testing when designing websites for older adults.

Do determinants of online shopping differ for personal shoppers and professional shoppers?

PurposeIndividuals use the web for shopping for both personal and professional objectives. The purpose of this paper is to show that the demographic profile of individuals who shop online for personal reasons is different from that of those who shop for professional reasons.Design/methodology/approachBased on marketing literature, hypotheses were generated regarding the relationships between proclivity to purchase online and demographics. The data were collected through online surveys, and the hypotheses tested with an ordinal regression model.FindingsThis research indicated that individuals with children, high incomes, and large internet experience are more likely to shop online for personal purposes and younger men with large internet experience are more likely to shop online for professional purposes.Research limitations/implicationsOne of the limitations of this study is that it focuses on only the demographic determinants, and ignores others, such as reputation and size, service quality, overall ease of use and usefulness of the web site, etc.Originality/valueThis paper would be valuable to online retailers, as it will help them to identify their target customers.

The Nutrient Data Laboratory Web site gets a new look

The Nutrient Data Laboratory Web site, along with all Agricultural Research Service (ARS) Web sites, has a new look. The basic appearance is similar to the United States Department of Agriculture Web site, but with some navigational categories unique to ARS sites. The purpose of these changes is to make ARS Web sites more uniform in navigation, enhancing overall ease of use. Navigation tools now found on our Web site include links to: About Us, Research, Products & Services, People and Places, News and Events, Partnering, and Careers. Partnering, a section recently added to the Web site, includes information detailing our numerous research collaborations with scientists in educational institutions, research laboratories, the food industry and other federal agencies as well as our award-winning partnerships for technology transfer. The online search program, our most frequently accessed feature, remains prominently displayed on our Home Page, continuing to give users fast access to nutrient information on a specific food. This popular program has been upgraded, supporting enhanced search techniques and the capability to customize portion sizes for food component reports. The NDL Web site is the principal means of dissemination of food composition data from the National Nutrient Databank System and receives an average of over 110,000 visitors per month.

User interface features influencing overall ease of use and personalization

This study examines user perceptions of gathering information on, locating, and buying compact discs through Web-based interfaces. A group of part-time MBA students in Hong Kong performed a specific set of tasks using the Web sites of two vendors of compact discs. The tasks were selected to be general enough to apply to a variety of on-line shopping situations. As they performed tasks, they answered questions regarding their perceptions of several user interface features as well as their perceptions of overall ease of use. User interface features associated with a perception of overall ease of use were identified, as were differences based on personal characteristics of respondents. Also, differences in perceptions of interface features that might be due to personal characteristics, such as age and sex, were identified. The methodology and results help identify user interface features that a designer should emphasize and features for which personalization is likely to be beneficial.

Application of genetic algorithms to state estimation of tethered systems

The class of intelligent systems tools known as genetic algorithms is applied to the problem of state estimation, specifically, to predict the orbital dynamics of a tethered satellite system. Emphasis here is placed on cases of tethered motion in which only a short arc of observational data is available. For several example cases of tethered system motion, the performance of a genetic algorithm-based method is compared with that of a conventional differential corrections filtering technique. Measures of comparison include orbit determination accuracy, computational speed, and overall ease of use.

If the User Can't Find the Function, It isn't There: Usability of Digital Cameras for Novice Use

A prototype digital camera was designed to make setting menu preferences easier for novice users. Twenty-eight individuals (14M/14F) who had no prior experience using digital cameras participated in this study. Participants were randomly assigned to one of two experimental conditions (current camera or prototype camera). Three measures of usability (performance time on task, number of errors committed, and ease of use) were recorded. Each participant completed four tasks to assess the usability of common digital camera tasks (change picture quality, change date/time setting, ‘zoom in’ on an object, and delete a photo). Performance time and the number of errors committed improved significantly for one task (date/time setting), while the other three tasks assessed showed a similar trend, although not significant. Ease of use was significantly improved for two tasks, while overall ease of use for the prototype camera showed an increase in subjective usability over the current camera. Thus, the design changes implemented in the prototype camera significantly improved some aspects of usability, and showed a positive trend across all measures of usability.

TELEMEDICINE AND THE INTERNET: A Collaboration and History of Communication Technologies

First, it is evident that no matter which type of applied technology is used, the most important aspect, aside from the criteria mentioned herein, is the overall ease of use of the client interaction software. Second, it is important to make technology easy so that its use is widespread and practical. It should not be forgotten that the principal goal of telemedicine is to improve patient care in areas in which that care cannot be provided or where the augmentation of current care can be reinforced through collaborative measures. The guiding principal of the Internet was to create a platform where mutual communication and information are made available to the masses in an effective, inexpensive, and intuitive manner. The goals are indeed obvious, and this fact alone makes the future of the two technologies assured.

MED18/388: Defining the Optimal Framework Required for the Development of Multimedia Web-based Training: The Mater Misericordiae Hospital / Institute of Healthcare Informatics experience

IntroductionThe provision of education, training and pedagogy, its associated science is being radically impacted by technological developments and changing methodologies in the imparting and acquisition of knowledge. This is resulting in the thrust and focus of higher education moving from a traditional university centred process to a more student-orientated one. The Internet's propensity for real-time interaction makes computer-based training, or distance learning, viable for accommodating medical education needs. In medicine many concepts are visual or structural and in many cases clinical reasoning is based on spatial abstraction of structures. Incorporating these principles, the Institute developed the concept of the Virtual Study Centre (VSC), utilising methodologies which take advantage of the developments in web based computing and communication infrastructures to specifically address the difficulties associated with existing methods of distance learning.MethodsThe VSC is a 'hypermedia' learning environment, which offers a more flexible approach to learning for both producers and users of educational material. It is achieved through distributed student access to networked learning resources. A project team was established to define the specific models of learning scenarios where synchronous interaction played an important role. Utilising an assessment matrix based on the requirement outcomes of the learning scenarios, it evaluated products available in the web-based training area for quality, extent and complexity in respect to multimedia design, interactivity and overall ease of use. Each product had to comply with their criteria under the following headings: technical composition, infra-structural design, regional and cultural constraints. A compromise in the quality and speed of audio and video was not an option. To provide the best we expected the best from the products so that we could provide a well-crafted teaching system, which could be used throughout the medical profession.ResultsWe have identified the optimal model based standards required in software tool-sets to develop and support multimedia web-based training.DiscussionA fundamental element in the provision of distance education is interaction. This paper illustrates the considerable deficit in the availability of quality media-rich tool-sets on the market, which enables optimum interaction. It details the research undertaken in the provision of the levels of interaction necessary to provide a fully integrated web-based education facility and the difficulties of tailoring a traditionally taught course for the web. It develops and explores the issues surrounding the monitoring, examination and identification of students and defines an approach to underpin optimum tool-set assessment and utilisation.

Dutch Reactions to Behavioral Observation, Behavioral Expectation, and Trait Scales

Dutch managers and computer programmers appraised the performance of a subordinate or peer, respectively, using Behavioral Observation scales (BOS), Behavioral Expectation scales (BES), and Trait scales, and then evaluated the three appraisal instruments on eight criteria: ability to give feedback, ability to differentiate, objectivity, position differences, ability to provide training, setting corporate-wide standards, ability to set goals, and overall ease of use. Users preferred the BOS to the BES on seven criteria, and to the Trait Scale on all but two criteria. They preferred the Trait Scale to the BES on two criteria, namely, ease of use and position differences, and considered the BES and Trait scale equivalent on the remaining criteria. These findings parallel those found in a similar study conducted in the United States.

Comparison of the Clearview Uterine Manipulator with the Cohen cannula in laparoscopy

The ClearView Uterine Manipulator was compared with the Cohen acorn-tipped cannula forefficacy and safety in patients undergoing laparoscopy at the University of Utah Medical Center. Fifty consecutive, patients were randomized by computer to have either the ClearView instrument or the Cohen cannula used as a uterine manibulator (25 patients each). The ClearView manipulator was statistically superior to the Cohen cannula for range of motion in the anterior and posterior sagittal plane (p<0.0001). The Cohen cannula was consistently inserted in less time (p<0.02). There was no statistically significant difference between the instruments in ease of uterine manipulation, ease of dye instillation, percentage of dye leakage from the cervix, overall ease of use, ease of device insertion, and ease of device removal. Two cervical perforations occurred during cervical dilatation in the ClearView manipulator group in patients with cervical stenosis requiring dilatation with metal dilators (os<.2mm). No patients in the Cohen cannula group had cervical stenosis. In that group two cervical lacerations occurred requiring suture ligation. The ClearView instrument provides a greater range of motion, does not require an assistant to maintain uterine position, and allows manipulation without a cervical tenaculum. Its insertion occasionally (36%) required tenaculum placement, uterine sounding, and cervical dilatation, increasing the time of insertion compared with placement of the Cohen cannula. In patients with cervical stenosis, use of a uterine sound and cervical dilatation increase the risk of perforation.

Online company database selection: an evaluation of directories and CIDA (an expert system)

Several tools have been marketed to aid the busi ness information searcher to identify appropriate databases. These include printed directories, and electronic 'databases of databases' such as The Online Manual on Disk (TOM). A prototype Company Information Database Adviser (CIDA) has also been developed using expert systems technology, by Loughborough University of Technology. The study reported in this paper investigated the performance of these tools when used by novice searchers. Measures included accuracy and consistency of recommendations, overall ease of use, degree of confidence in recommendations and time taken to use each tool. A total of 24 subjects took part in the trials. The trials clearly showed CIDA to be superior, in the areas it covered, to the printed guides investigated and to TOM. It was concluded that an expert system-based tool, such as CIDA, might be commercially viable both as a training aid and as a practical guide to company information databases.

Comparison of six microcomputer dietary analysis systems with the USDA Nutrient Data Base for Standard Reference

We compared the general operating features and nutrient databases of six microcomputer dietary analysis systems. A 3-day food record with 73 food items was entered into each program; nutrient averages were compared with the US Department of Agriculture Nutrient Data Base for Standard Reference (USDA NDB), full version, release 9, for microcomputers. The six programs were found to vary widely in cost, number of foods and nutrients in the database, use of non-USDA data and imputation of data for missing values, number of print/export options, time to analyze the 3-day food record, and overall ease of use. Although all of the microcomputer dietary analysis systems were within 7% of the USDA NDB for energy, protein, total fat, and total carbohydrates, the proportion of other nutrients varying more than 15% from the USDA NDB varied considerably between programs. Variance among programs for 3-day food record nutrient values occurred because of differences in the number of food items included in the database (leading to varying degrees of substitution), the recency of the nutrient data (whether or not the most recent USDA releases had been incorporated), and the number of missing values (the degree to which non-USDA sources or estimated calculations were used to fill in the blanks from the USDA standard). Our results demonstrate that it is important for each dietitian to carefully choose a microcomputer dietary analysis system that is suitable to specific and predetermined needs.

Modification of a Princeton Applied Research FM-1 vibrating sample magnetometer

A Princeton Applied Research model FM-1 vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) has been modified using lock-in detection, automatic data acquisition, and microcomputer control. The practical sensitivity in the updated version has been improved to 10−4 emu. Data collection and data management are quicker and greatly simplified. Through menu driven software and modular design, the overall ease of use has been enhanced. The original layout of the FM-1 has been retained so that no versatility is lost for either the original or modified version.

Splenic resection with the contact Nd: YAG laser system

Splenic resection in the dog was proven to have decreased blood loss (52%), decreased operating time (44%), and decreased surgical manipulation using the SLT Contact Nd:YAG Laser System with the synthetic sapphire probe, as compared with the noncontact CO2 laser. Tissue damage and hematologic changes were minimal and equivalent in both laser systems. The overall ease of use and operating technique was subjectively better with the contact Nd:YAG laser, and the danger of scattered and reflective beam damage was eliminated. The contact Nd:YAG laser with the synthetic sapphire probes offers a significant advantage over the noncontact CO2 laser in the resection of splenic tissue. Future applications in pediatric surgery now need to be evaluated.