Pilot Acceptability Research Articles

A pilot acceptability evaluation of MomMind: A digital health intervention for Peripartum Depression prevention and management focused on health disparities.

Health disparities cause significant strain on the wellbeing of individuals and society. In this study, we focus on the health disparities present in the condition of Peripartum Depression (PPD), a significant public health issue. While PPD can be managed through therapy and medication, many women do not receive adequate PPD treatment due to issues of social stigma and limited access to healthcare resources. Digital health technologies can offer practical tools for PPD management. However, current solutions do not integrate behavior theory and are rarely responsive to the transient information needs stemming from women's unique sociodemographic, clinical and psychosocial profiles. We describe a pilot acceptability evaluation of MomMind, a health-disparities focused digital health intervention for the prevention and management of PPD. A crucial MomMind advantage is its basis on behavior change theory and patient engagement as enabled by the Digilego digital health framework. Following an internal usability evaluation, MomMind was evaluated by patients through cross-sectional acceptability surveys, pre-and-post PPD health literacy surveys, and interviews. Survey respondents included n = 30 peripartum women, of whom n = 16 (53.3%) were Hispanic and n = 17 (56.7%) of low-income. Survey results show that 96.6% of participants (n = 29) approved and welcomed MomMind, and 90% (n = 27) found MomMind to be an appealing intervention. Additionally, significant improvements (p< = 0.05) were observed in participants' PPD health literacy, specifically their ability to recognize PPD symptoms and knowledge of how to seek PPD information. Interview main themes include MomMind's straightforward design and influence of others (family members, providers) on use of technology. Results suggest that enhancement of a digital health framework with health literacy theory can support production of digital health solutions acceptable to vulnerable populations. This study incorporates existing theories from different disciplines into a unified approach for mitigating health disparities, and produced a novel solution for promotion of health in a vulnerable population.

Adaptation of a HIV Prevention Mobile App for Transmasculine People: A Pilot Acceptability and Feasibility Study

Adaptation of a HIV Prevention Mobile App for Transmasculine People: A Pilot Acceptability and Feasibility Study

Integration of Remote Symptom and Biometric Monitoring Into the Care of Adult Patients With Cancer Receiving Chemotherapy-A Decentralized Feasibility Pilot Study.

Although electronic patient-reported outcomes (ePROs) are efficacious in symptom management, much is unknown about the utility of vital signs surveillance. We examined the feasibility of a remote patient monitoring platform that integrates ePROs and biometrics into the ambulatory management of symptom burden. Using a decentralized workflow, patients with gastrointestinal or thoracic cancer were approached for a 1-month study. Patients reported symptom burden via ePROs and biometrics (blood pressure, oxygen saturation, pulse, weight, and temperature) using bluetooth-enabled devices daily. Alerts on the basis of prespecified thresholds were managed via nurse-led triage. Adherence was defined as the completion of > 70% of daily symptom and biometric reporting requirements. Pilot acceptability, appropriateness, and feasibility were measured using validated instruments. Net promoter score, system usability scale, and emergency department (ED) admission rates were collected. Over 8 months, 36 patients were enrolled and 25 (60% gastrointestinal) completed the study. Participants had a mean age of 58.0 years, mean Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group score of 0.88, were 52% female, and predominantly had stage IV or recurrent disease (72%). Program adherence was 73% and associated with high acceptability (4.63), feasibility (4.56), and appropriateness (4.46). System usability scale and net promoter score scores were 88 and 55, respectively. Seventy percent of alerts were generated by biometrics, 28% for symptoms, and 2% were patient-initiated communication. Finally, the ED visitation rate over the pilot period was 8%. Our remote patient monitoring pilot program was highly acceptable, feasible, and appropriate. It had high rates of patient adherence and satisfaction and was associated with low ED visitation rates.

S929 Assessment of Virtual Reality on Pain and Anxiety at an Infusion Clinic Setting in Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Pilot Acceptability Study

Introduction: Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is a chronic relapsing and remitting inflammatory condition of the bowel lumen. While abdominal pain is most severe when acute inflammation is present, many patients with IBD in endoscopic remission continue to have abdominal pain. Psychological conditions like anxiety may exacerbate symptoms and cause more frequent flares, leading to increased hospitalizations. Non-pharmacological methods such as virtual reality (VR) have been shown to decrease pain and anxiety in inpatient settings. While there has been support of VR in IBD patients in an clinic setting, no studies have assessed the use of VR in IBD patients at infusion centers, an important aspect of IBD management. If VR can improve both pain and anxiety, then it may lead to improved health outcomes. Methods: This is a prospective, single-center, paired-sample study of adult patients with IBD, where pain and anxiety were measured before and after their regular infusion clinic appointment, with the use of VR on their following infusion appointment. At the end of the study, there was an assessment of the feasibility of VR for future encounters. Anxiety was measured using the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), and pain was measured using the Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire (SF-MPQ). The VR headset included immersive options such as guided meditations and deep sea diving, and prohibited content that would cause potential distress. Paired sample t-tests were utilized to compare any differences in pain or anxiety during their infusion therapy, with and without use of virtual reality. Results: In this pilot study, we report data of 14 adult patients with IBD (57% Crohn’s Disease, 43% Ulcerative Colitis). Mean age was 42.07 years. Demographic, BAI, SF-MPQ, and VR feasibility data are shown in Table (Table). Conclusion: While preliminary analyses show VR had no significant change in BAI (t = -0.244, p-value = 0.405) and SF-MPQ (t = -0.336, p-value = 0.371), participants reported positive experiences with VR. Patients rated their experience an average of 7.79 on a scale of 1 to 9. 71% of patients reported they would like to use VR during future appointments. These finding support the acceptability of VR in an infusion clinic setting, and provide a framework for further assessment of pain and anxiety in future larger randomized control trials. Table 1. - VR IBD Group Data Age Mean 42.07 years Sex • Male • Female 8 (57%)6 (43%) IBD Type • Crohn’s Disease • Ulcerative Colitis 8 (57%)6 (43%) Infusion Medication • Infliximab • Vedolizumab 7 (50%)7 (50%) Percent of Time with VR During Infusion • Total • Infliximab • Vedolizumab Mean: 74%Mean: 50%Mean: 98% Chronic Opioid Use 2 (14%) Pharmacologic Therapy for Anxiety 4 (29%) Nonprescription Therapy for Anxiety/Pain 5 (36%) Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) t = -0.244, p-value = 0.405 Short Form McGill Pain Questionnaire (SF-MPQ) t = -0.336, p-value = 0.371 Would Like to Use VR During Future Appointments 10 (71%) Rate Your Experience1 (Dislike) to 5 (Indifferent) to 9 (Enjoyed) Mean: 7.79 Infusion Experience Felt Faster with VR 12 (86%) Forgot was in Infusion Clinic with VR 3 (21%)

Remotely Delivered Behavioral Weight Loss Intervention Using an Ad Libitum Plant-Based Diet: Pilot Acceptability, Feasibility, and Preliminary Results.

BackgroundMany traditional lifestyle interventions use calorie prescriptions, but most individuals have difficulty sustaining calorie tracking and thus weight loss. In contrast, whole food plant-based diets (WFPBDs) have previously shown significant weight loss without this issue. However, most WFPBD interventions are face-to-face and time-intensive, and do not leverage gold standard behavioral strategies for health behavior change.ObjectiveThis open pilot trial was the first to evaluate the feasibility of a fully featured, remotely delivered behavioral weight loss intervention using an ad libitum WFPBD.MethodsOver 12 weeks, participants (N=15) with overweight or obesity received a newly designed program that integrated behavioral weight loss and a WFPBD prescription via weekly web-based modules and brief phone coaching calls. Assessments were performed at baseline, midtreatment (6 weeks), and after treatment (12 weeks).ResultsThe intervention was rated as highly acceptable (mean 4.40 out of 5, SE 0.18), and attrition was low (6.7%). In all, intention-to-treat analyses revealed that 69% (10.4/15) of the participants lost 5% of their weight (mean –5.89, SE 0.68 kg). Predefined benchmarks for quality of life were met.ConclusionsA pilot digital behavioral weight loss intervention with a non–energy-restricted WFPBD was feasible, and the mean acceptability was high. Minimal contact time (80-150 minutes of study interventionist time per participant over 12 weeks) led to clinically relevant weight loss and dietary adherence for most participants (10.4/15, 69% and 11.8/15, 79%, respectively), and quality of life improvements (reliable change indices >1.53). We hope that this work will serve as a springboard for future larger scale randomized controlled studies evaluating the efficacy of such programs for weight loss, dietary change, and quality of life.Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT04892030; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04892030

Implementation outcomes of a health systems strengthening intervention for perinatal women with common mental disorders and experiences of domestic violence in South Africa: Pilot feasibility and acceptability study

BackgroundSouth Africa has a high burden of perinatal common mental disorders (CMD), such as depression and anxiety, as well as high levels of poverty, food insecurity and domestic violence, which increases the risk of CMD. Yet public healthcare does not include routine detection and treatment for these disorders. This pilot study aims to evaluate the implementation outcomes of a health systems strengthening (HSS) intervention for improving the quality of care of perinatal women with CMD and experiences of domestic violence, attending public healthcare facilities in Cape Town.MethodsThree antenatal care facilities were purposively selected for delivery of a HSS programme consisting of four components: (1) health promotion and awareness raising talks delivered by lay healthcare workers; (2) detection of CMD and domestic violence by nurses as part of routine care; (3) referral of women with CMD and domestic violence; and (4) delivery of structured counselling by lay healthcare workers in patients’ homes. Participants included healthcare workers tasked with delivery of the HSS components, and perinatal women attending the healthcare facilities for routine antenatal care. This mixed methods study used qualitative interviews with healthcare workers and pregnant women, a patient survey, observation of health promotion and awareness raising talks, and a review of several documents, to evaluate the acceptability, appropriateness, feasibility, adoption, fidelity of delivery, and fidelity of receipt of the HSS components. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the qualitative interviews, while the quantitative findings for adoption and fidelity of receipt were reported using numbers and proportions.ResultsHealthcare workers found the delivery and content of the HSS components to be both acceptable and appropriate, while the feasibility, adoption and fidelity of delivery was poor. We demonstrated that the health promotion and awareness raising component improved women’s attitudes towards seeking help for mental health conditions. The detection, referral and treatment components were found to improve fidelity of receipt, evidenced by an increase in the proportion of women undergoing routine detection and referral, and decreased feelings of distress in women who received counselling. However, using a task-sharing approach did not prove to be feasible, as adding additional responsibilities to already overburdened healthcare workers roles resulted in poor fidelity of delivery and adoption of all the HSS components.ConclusionsThe acceptability, appropriateness and fidelity of receipt of the HSS programme components, and poor feasibility, fidelity of delivery and adoption suggest the need to appoint dedicated, lay healthcare workers to deliver key programme components, at healthcare facilities, on the same day.

App-Based Ecological Momentary Assessment to Enhance Clinical Care for Postpartum Depression: Pilot Acceptability Study.

BackgroundWearable tracking devices and mobile health technology are increasingly used in an effort to enhance clinical care and the delivery of personalized medical treatment. Postpartum depression is the most frequently diagnosed complication of childbirth; however, significant gaps in screening and treatment remain.ObjectiveThis study aims to investigate the clinical utility, predictive ability, and acceptability of using ecological momentary assessment to collect daily mood, sleep, and activity data through the use of an Apple Watch and mobile app among women with postpartum depression.MethodsThis was a pilot study consisting of 3 in-person research visits over the course of a 6-week enrollment period. Questionnaires to assess depression, anxiety, and maternal functioning were periodically collected, along with daily self-reported symptoms and passively collected physiological data via an Apple Watch. Feedback was collected from study participants and the study clinician to determine the utility and acceptability of daily tracking. Logistic regression was used to determine whether mood scores in the 2 weeks before a visit predicted scores at follow-up. Compliance with daily assessments was also measured.ResultsOf the 26 women enrolled, 23 (88%) completed the 6-week study period. On average, the participants completed 67% (34.4/51.5 days) of all active daily assessments and 74% (38/51.5 days) of all passive measures. Furthermore, all 23 participants completed the 3 required visits with the research team. Predictive correlations were found between self-reported mood and Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale score at follow-up, self-reported anxiety and EDPS, and sleep quality and Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale.ConclusionsUsing ecological momentary assessment to track daily symptoms of postpartum depression using a wearable device was largely endorsed as acceptable and clinically useful by participants and the study clinician and could be an innovative solution to increase care access during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Short-Term Inpatient DBT Combined with Metacognitive Interventions for Personality Disorders: A Pilot Acceptability and Effectiveness Study

Short-Term Inpatient DBT Combined with Metacognitive Interventions for Personality Disorders: A Pilot Acceptability and Effectiveness Study

Development and Feasibility of a Digital Acceptance and Commitment Therapy-Based Intervention for Generalized Anxiety Disorder: Pilot Acceptability Study.

BackgroundGeneralized anxiety disorder (GAD) is characterized by excessive worry that is difficult to control and has high comorbidity with mood disorders including depression. Individuals experience long wait times for diagnosis and often face accessibility barriers to treatment. There is a need for a digital solution that is accessible and acceptable to those with GAD.ObjectiveThis paper aims to describe the development of a digital intervention prototype of acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) for GAD that sits within an existing well-being app platform, BioBase. A pilot feasibility study evaluating acceptability and usability is conducted in a sample of adults with a diagnosis of GAD, self-referred to the study.MethodsPhase 1 applied the person-based approach (creation of guiding principles, intervention design objectives, and the key intervention features). In Phase 2 participants received the app-based therapeutic and paired wearable for 2 weeks. Self-report questionnaires were obtained at baseline and posttreatment. The primary outcome was psychological flexibility (Acceptance and Action Questionnaire-II [AAQ-II]) as this is the aim of ACT. Mental well-being (Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale [WEMWBS]) and symptoms of anxiety (7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder Assessment [GAD-7]) and depression (9-item Patient Health Questionnaire [PHQ-9]) were also assessed. Posttreatment usability was assessed via self-report measures (System Usability Scale [SUS]) in addition to interviews that further explored feasibility of the digital intervention in this sample.ResultsThe app-based therapeutic was well received. Of 13 participants, 10 (77%) completed the treatment. Results show a high usability rating (83.5). Participants found the digital intervention to be relevant, useful, and helpful in managing their anxiety. Participants had lower anxiety (d=0.69) and depression (d=0.84) scores at exit, and these differences were significantly different from baseline (P=.03 and .008 for GAD-7 and PHQ-9, respectively). Participants had higher psychological flexibility and well-being scores at exit, although these were not significantly different from baseline (P=.11 and .55 for AAQ-II and WEMWBS, respectively).ConclusionsThis ACT prototype within BioBase is an acceptable and feasible digital intervention in reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression. This study suggests that this intervention warrants a larger feasibility study in adults with GAD.

A Decision Aid for midwifery continuity of care: Development and pilot acceptability testing

BackgroundMany maternity services in Australia offer women a variety of models of care including midwife led models. Childbearing women, however, need to understand the differences between these models if they are to make an informed decision about their choice of care. Decision Aids (DA) help people decide when there is not a single best option and the best decision will be based upon the values of the decision maker. There is no current tool that focuses on the choice of midwife led vs other models of maternity care. AimThis research aimed to develop, and pilot test a Decision Aid focusing on the choice between midwife led and standard models of maternity care. MethodsThe DA was developed using the International Patient Decision Aid Standards and pilot tested for acceptability with a group of clinicians who provide antenatal care in one jurisdiction in Australia. A posttest only study was conducted assessing knowledge, acceptability and decisional conflict, with a group of women of childbearing age living in the jurisdiction. FindingsA DA was developed and pilot acceptability testing with 14 women and 13 clinicians of Australian Capital Territory (ACT) health demonstrated its acceptability and highlighting areas for further development. DiscussionSome revisions may be needed to address issues of balance and bias toward midwife-led care identified by some recipients. ConclusionPilot acceptability testing with women and staff of ACT health provides a steppingstone to further research, development and evaluation of this DA.

Mindfulness Intervention Benefits Older Adults Receiving Rehabilitation Services in Long Term Care

Research literature includes preliminary examination of mindfulness in rehabilitation settings; however, further investigation is warranted. Some of the strongest findings to date are adaptation improvements such as self-efficacy, increased quality of life, and decreased stress. The purpose and aims of this pilot feasibility and acceptability study were to develop, administer, and evaluate a modified mindfulness program for older adults in rehabilitation in long term care, and to measure self-efficacy, quality of life, and perceived stress. Nine residents 65+ were recruited. Inclusion criteria for participants included residents receiving any type of therapy (e.g., physical, occupational, speech), an anticipated length of stay inclusive of the intervention treatment period, and cognitive capacity to participate. A mindfulness intervention was developed by the research team and administered by a CITI trained, qualified mindfulness instructor. As this is a pilot study, no control group was used. This study proved both feasible and acceptable. All eligible participants consented; both attendance and retention percentages were above the 75% standard (78% and 89%, respectively), and the Meaningful Activities Scale rating=82.4, indicating strong acceptability. Statistical results values for the Health-Related Quality of Life (V=153, p< 0.001), Bandura’s Self Efficacy Questionnaire (V=153, p< 0.001), and Cohen’s Perceived Stress Scale (V=152, p< 0.001) were all statistically significant. These preliminary research findings will inform a larger pragmatic trial testing preliminary effectiveness of the intervention in this population in quality of life, self-efficacy and stress reduction. While this study began prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, its findings are now even more relevant to gerontology.

An Evaluation of UAS Pilot Workload and Acceptability Ratings with Four Simulated Radar Declaration Ranges

Currently, minimum operational performance standards (MOPS) are being developed for a broader rangeof unmanned aircraft system (UAS) platforms, including smaller UAS that will feature onboard sensors that are low in size, weight, and power, otherwise known as low SWaP. The low SWaP sensors used to detect non-cooperative traffic will have limited declaration ranges compared to those designed for medium-to-large UAS. A human-in-the-loop (HITL) study was conducted examining four possible radar declaration ranges (i.e., 1.5 NM, 2 NM, 2.5 NM, and 3 NM) for a potential low SWaP sensor with a detect and avoid (DAA) system encountering various non-cooperative encounters in Oakland Center airspace. Participants had lower workload, particularly workload associated with temporal demand and effort, in scenarios that featured larger detection ranges. Furthermore, participants reported better ability to remain DAA well clear within the larger declaration range conditions, specifically with the 2.5 NM and 3 NM conditions.

Transdiagnostic group cognitive behaviour therapy for anxiety in bipolar disorder\u2014a pilot feasibility and acceptability study

ObjectiveAnxiety is prominent for many people living with bipolar disorder, yet the benefit of psychological interventions in treating this co-morbidity has been minimally explored and few studies have been conducted in a group format. This study aimed to assess the feasibility and acceptability of a transdiagnostic cognitive behaviour therapy group anxiety programme (CBTA-BD) for people living with bipolar disorder.MethodsParticipants were recruited to take part in a 9-week group therapy programme designed to treat anxiety in bipolar disorder using cognitive behaviour therapy. They were assessed by structured interview (SCID-5 RV) to confirm the diagnosis of bipolar disorder and assessed for anxiety disorders. Self-report questionnaires—DASS (depression, anxiety, stress), ASRM (mania), STAI (state and trait anxiety) and Brief QOL.BD (quality of life) pre- and post-treatment were administered.ResultsFourteen participants enrolled in the programme, with 10 participants (5 male; 5 female) completing the follow-up assessments. Two groups (one during working hours, the other outside working hours) were conducted. The programme appeared acceptable and feasible with a mean of 6.9 (77%) sessions attended, though five (50%) participants completed less than 3 weeks homework.ConclusionThe transdiagnostic cognitive behaviour therapy group anxiety programme (CBTA-BD) proved feasible and acceptable for participants; however, homework compliance was poor. A larger randomised pilot study is needed to assess the benefits of the intervention on symptom measures and address homework adherence, possibly through providing support between sessions or tailoring it more specifically to participant needs.

A Pilot Acceptability Study of an 'AllPlay Pre-Learn' Day Program to Facilitate Participation in Organised Physical Activity for Children with Disabilities.

In a mixed-methods design, the current study aimed to evaluate the acceptability of a junior Australian rules football program across two ‘AllPlay Pre-Learn’ days for children aged 5–11 years with disabilities, based on parent and child responses. Three online surveys were created by health professionals based on existing participation models. Surveys were completed by parents immediately before (n = 23), after the ‘Pre-Learn’ days (n = 15) and following the conclusion of the community version of the program (n = 13). Quantitative findings indicated significant improvements in child ratings around enjoyment of the sport. Qualitative analyses generated three themes around enjoyment in a low-stress environment; the education provided around the sport for parents/children; and, contemplation about playing the football program within their community. Four families (22% of the original attendees) went on to play the sport within a community setting. Despite acknowledged limitations, this study demonstrates preliminary evidence in support of an ‘AllPlay Pre-Learn’ day as a stepping stone to facilitate later participation in a football program within a child’s community. Increased participation would allow children to experience the benefits associated with sport participation, such as motor and social skill development.

Combined mindfulness and acupuncture in teh context of chronic pain: pilot feasibility and acceptability study protocol

Combined mindfulness and acupuncture in teh context of chronic pain: pilot feasibility and acceptability study protocol

Single-patient (n-of-1) trials: a pragmatic clinical decision methodology for patient-centered comparative effectiveness research

ObjectiveTo raise awareness among clinicians and epidemiologists that single-patient (n-of-1) trials are potentially useful for informing personalized treatment decisions for patients with chronic conditions. Study Design and SettingWe reviewed the clinical and statistical literature on methods and applications of single-patient trials and then critically evaluated the needs for further methodological developments. ResultsExisting literature reports application of 2,154 single-patient trials in 108 studies for diverse clinical conditions; various recent commentaries advocate for wider application of such trials in clinical decision making. Preliminary evidence from several recent pilot acceptability studies suggests that single-patient trials have the potential for widespread acceptance by patients and clinicians as an effective modality for increasing the therapeutic precision. Bayesian and adaptive statistical methods hold promise for increasing the informational yield of single-patient trials while reducing participant burden, but are not widely used. Personalized applications of single-patient trials can be enhanced through further development and application of methodologies on adaptive trial design, stopping rules, network meta-analysis, washout methods, and methods for communicating trial findings to patients and clinicians. ConclusionsSingle-patient trials may be poised to emerge as an important part of the methodological armamentarium for comparative effectiveness research and patient-centered outcomes research. By permitting direct estimation of individual treatment effects, they can facilitate finely graded individualized care, enhance therapeutic precision, improve patient outcomes, and reduce costs.

Optimizing the Next Generation Collision Avoidance System for Safe, Suitable, and Acceptable Operational Performance

The Traffic Alert and Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) is mandated worldwide on large commercial aircraft and has been shown to substantially reduce the risk of mid-air collision. However, the logic used to select pilot advisories is difficult to modify and does not easily support new surveillance inputs. The next generation system, called Airborne Collision Avoidance System (ACAS X), currently addresses many of the design limitations of TCAS. ACAS X is optimized with respect to a cost function. The system was initially optimized to increase safety and decrease alerts. Recent work has focused on tuning ACAS X to also meet operational suitability and pilot acceptability performance metrics. An iterative tuning process reduced the operational impact on the air traffic system and improved acceptability of alerts. This paper summarizes a 15-month effort that resulted in substantial improvements. Compared with TCAS, ACAS X reduces collision risk by 59%, lowers the alert rate by 50%, and issues 28% fewer disruptive alerts. ACAS X also resolves encounters with simpler alert sequences and issues less than half as many reversal and altitude crossing advisories.

The Impact of Data Communications Messages in the Terminal Area on Flight Crew Workload and Eye Scanning

This paper, to accompany a discussion panel, describes a collaborative FAA and NASA research study to determine the effect Data Communications (Data Comm) messages have on flight crew workload and eye scanning behavior in busy terminal area operations. In the Next Generation Air Transportation System Concept of Operations, for the period 2017–2022, the FAA envisions Data Comm between controllers and the flight crew to become the primary means of communicating non-time critical information. Four research conditions were defined that span current day to future equipage levels (Voice with Paper map, Data Comm with Paper map, Data Comm with Moving Map Display with ownship position displayed, Data Comm with Moving Map, ownship and taxi route displayed), and were used to create arrival and departure scenarios at Boston Logan Airport. Preliminary results for workload, situation awareness, and pilot head-up time are presented here. Questionnaire data indicated that pilot acceptability, workload, and situation awareness ratings were favorable for all of the conditions tested. Pilots did indicate that there were times during final approach and landing when they would prefer not to hear the message chime, and would not be able to make a quick response due to high priority tasks in the cockpit.

Small Aircraft Transportation System Higher Volume Operations Flight Experiment

This paper summarizes findings from the Small Aircraft Transportation System Higher Volume Operations Flight Experiment. The higher volume operations concept improves efficiency at nontowered, nonradar airports in instrument meteorological conditions. The success of the higher volume operations concept is based on pilot acceptability as determined through objective and subjective assessments when compared with the procedural control operations in use today at nontowered, nonradar-controlled airfields in instrument meteorological conditions. Flight experiment data indicate that the concept is viable. The experiment, flown on a general aviation aircraft, used a subset of the Higher Volume Operations Simulation Experiment scenarios and evaluation pilots to validate the simulation experiment results. Results reveal that all 12 low-time instrument-rated pilots preferred Small Aircraft Transportation System Higher Volume Operations when compared with current procedural separation operations. These pilots also flew the higher volume operations procedures safely and proficiently without additional workload in comparison to today's system. Detailed results of pilot flight technical error and their subjective assessments of workload and situation awareness are presented.

Control Logic Design Criteria for Multifunction Switching Devices

Since multifunction switching is a relatively new concept in controls technology, many design questions unique to this type of control need to be addressed. Research was conducted to determine pilot acceptability and useability of a panel of multifunction switches for aircraft applications. Many of the design criteria identified during the studies as critical to the optimization of switch/function assignment and determination of operator selections required to perform tasks will be presented.