User Perspective Research Articles

A level playing field? Evaluation of the virtual Objective Structured Clinical Examination in Psychiatry and Addiction Medicine: A mixed methods study.

The Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) has been used for clinical assessment of a broad range of medical student competencies in Psychiatry and Addiction Medicine. However, there has been little research into online assessments. We investigated the virtual OSCE (v-OSCE) from the user perspective to better understand its acceptability, usefulness, benefits, challenges and potential improvements. At the conclusion of the v-OSCE, all participants (medical students, examiners and simulated patients) were invited to participate in a brief online survey, based on the Technology and Acceptance Model. Freeform qualitative feedback was also obtained to explore participants' experiences and attitudes. Participants reported the v-OSCE was acceptable, efficient, convenient and easy to use. It was perceived as useful for demonstrating students' interviewing skills and interacting with the simulated patient. Benefits included greater convenience, reduced stress and travel time. Challenges were similar to those experienced in 'real world' telepsychiatry, primarily related to assessment of non-verbal cues and emotional prosody. Our findings inform recommendations for improving online examinations. These include increased preparation, practice and professionalism, to better simulate the in-person experience. Study credibility was strengthened by the triangulation of qualitative, quantitative and psychometric data.

Analisis Pengukuran Usability Aplikasi DAPODIK Kabupaten Karawang Dengan Metode Use Questionnaire dan IPA

Choosing an internet-based application as a communication tool is considered a smart decision due to its ability to deliver information or messages to users anywhere without being limited by region or location. An application created by an institution can provide important information about the institution's activities to users, while users can access detailed data through the application. Currently, the Dapodik application has been implemented in various schools in Kabupaten Karawang. However, the use of this application faces several problems, including frequent system errors that cause double transactions and require a long time to update data. Based on these problems, this study was conducted to determine the extent of the advantages and disadvantages of the Dapodik application. The research was conducted using the Use Questionnaire and Importance Performance Analysis methods using a questionnaire distributed to 50 application users using google form. The results of this study obtained with the Importance Performance Analysis method produce a priority map for improving the Dapodik application. The map is divided into quadrant I as the top priority from the user's perspective. In quadrant II, there are aspects of the Dapodik application which are areas of achievement or excellence that must be maintained because they have met user expectations, namely the appearance of the Dapodik application is easy to recognize, the Dapodik application is easy to operate and the color combination of the Dapodik application is pleasing to the eye and not boring.

Facilitators of and Barriers to the Use of a Digital Self-Management Service for Diagnostic Testing: Focus Group Study With Potential Users.

Health care lags in digital transformation, despite the potential of technology to improve the well-being of individuals. The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the uptake of technology in health care and increased individuals' willingness to perform self-management using technology. A web-based service, Directlab Online, provides consumers with direct digital access to diagnostic test packages, which can digitally support the self-management of health. This study aims to identify the facilitators, barriers, and needs of Directlab Online, a self-management service for web-based access to diagnostic testing. A qualitative method was used from a potential user's perspective. The needs and future needs for, facilitators of, and barriers to the use of Directlab Online were evaluated. Semistructured focus group meetings were conducted in 2022. Two focus groups were focused on sexually transmitted infection test packages and 2 were focused on prevention test packages. Data analysis was performed according to the principles of the Framework Method. The Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research was used to categorize the facilitators and barriers. In total, 19 participants, with a mean age of 34.32 (SD 14.70) years, participated in the focus groups. Important barriers were a lack of privacy information, too much and difficult information, and a commercial appearance. Important facilitators were the right amount of information, the right kind of tests, and the involvement of a health care professional. The need for a service such as Directlab Online was to ensure its availability for users' health and to maintain their health. According to the participants, facilitators and barriers were comprehension of the information, the goal of the website, and the overall appearance of the service. Although the service was developed in cocreation with health care professionals and users, the needs did not align. The users preferred understandable and adequate, but not excessive, information. In addition, they preferred other types of tests to be available on the service. For future research, it would be beneficial to focus on cocreation between the involved medical professionals and users to develop, improve, and implement a service such as Directlab Online.

The development and structural validity testing of the Person-centred Practice Inventory-Care (PCPI-C).

Person-centred healthcare focuses on placing the beliefs and values of service users at the centre of decision-making and creating the context for practitioners to do this effectively. Measuring the outcomes arising from person-centred practices is complex and challenging and often adopts multiple perspectives and approaches. Few measurement frameworks are grounded in an explicit person-centred theoretical framework. In the study reported in this paper, the aim was to develop a valid and reliable instrument to measure the experience of person-centred care by service users (patients)-The Person-centred Practice Inventory-Care (PCPI-C). Based on the 'person-centred processes' construct of an established Person-centred Practice Framework (PCPF), a service user instrument was developed to complement existing instruments informed by the same theoretical framework-the PCPF. An exploratory sequential mixed methods design was used to construct and test the instrument, working with international partners and service users in Scotland, Northern Ireland, Australia and Austria. A three-phase approach was adopted to the development and testing of the PCPI-C: Phase 1 -Item Selection: following an iterative process a list of 20 items were agreed upon by the research team for use in phase 2 of the project; Phase 2 -Instrument Development and Refinement: Development of the PCPI-C was undertaken through two stages. Stage 1 involved three sequential rounds of data collection using focus groups in Scotland, Australia and Northern Ireland; Stage 2 involved distributing the instrument to members of a global community of practice for person-centred practice for review and feedback, as well as refinement and translation through one: one interviews in Austria. Phase 3: Testing Structural Validity of the PCPI-C: A sample of 452 participants participated in this phase of the study. Service users participating in existing cancer research in the UK, Malta, Poland and Portugal, as well as care homes research in Austria completed the draft PCPI-C. Data were collected over a 14month period (January 2021-March 2022). Descriptive and measures of dispersion statistics were generated for all items to help inform subsequent analysis. Confirmatory factor analysis was conducted using maximum likelihood robust extraction testing of the 5-factor model of the PCPI-C. The testing of the PCPI-C resulted in a final 18 item instrument. The results demonstrate that the PCPI-C is a psychometrically sound instrument, supporting a five-factor model that examines the service user's perspective of what constitutes person-centred care. This new instrument is generic in nature and so can be used to evaluate how person-centredness is perceived by service users in different healthcare contexts and at different levels of an organisation. Thus, it brings a service user perspective to an organisation-wide evaluation framework.

Improvement of DEVA Model in Valuation Research of Internet Financial Information Service Companies

With the development of the digital economy and the internet, the internet financial information service industry has shown strong momentum. Different from traditional enterprises, internet financial information service companies possess characteristics of low assets, high risks, and difficulties in measuring non-financial indicators. As a result, traditional valuation methods exhibit inaccuracies in application and require the introduction of non-financial valuation models for validation. Therefore, considering the industry's characteristics from a user perspective, we introduce the Metcalfe valuation modelthe DEVA valuation model. Simultaneously, we improve this model and, using Hithink Royalflush Information Network Co., Ltd. as a case study, estimate the value at the evaluation point using both the original DEVA model and the revised new model. Finally, we analyze and compare the differences between the various valuations and Royalflush's total market value at the evaluation point, concluding that the improved DEVA model yields more fair and accurate valuation results.

How social media algorithms influence the way users decide – Perspectives of social media users and practitioners

This study dives into the perspectives of social media users and practitioners on the impact of social media algorithms, with a focus on data curation, real-time personalization, and FOMO (fear of missing out). This research, which was conducted through two exploratory focus groups, uncovered the nuanced dynamics underlying users’ engagement with algorithms. The study of the literature emphasizes the importance of algorithms as gatekeepers in affecting online interactions, decision-making, and information intake. Our work, which is based on information foraging theory, reveals how algorithms, through characteristics such as FOMO, personalized content distribution, and the appearance of choice, profoundly shape users’ decision-making processes in the digital arena. Understanding these distinguishing characteristics reveals the psychological and behavioral elements that contribute to consumers’ continuous reliance on social media platforms. This study adds to the larger conversation about the societal implications of algorithmic influence and provides useful insights for researchers, practitioners, and policymakers navigating the ever-evolving landscape of digital interactions.

UX Design for an E-commerce Application: A Design Thinking Perspective

The development of e-commerce applications has revolutionized the way people conduct business, but challenges still exist in designing applications that align with user needs and expectations. This study aims to document the design-thinking (DT) approach used in the development of a customized e-commerce application based on the user's perspective, with the goal of extracting the user experience of traditional commerce processes to identify its features. In this study, we focused on the first four phases of DT, which include empathize, define, ideate, and prototype, to gather insights and understand the experiences, needs, pain points, and solutions of the local producers. The data gathered from interviews and observations was subjected to content analysis to identify patterns and themes related to desired features. After analysis, the researchers identified key app features, including integrating data analytics for product performance and demand forecasting, introducing a peer-vendor marketplace, a vendor-managed inventory management system, and a product verification system for authenticity. A mockup prototype design was created and presented to users for feedback. The study highlights the importance of user perspectives in e-commerce app design and the value of design thinking in creating a customized user experience that aligns with user needs.

Black Box Testing on Website-Based Guestbook Registration Applications

In the rapidly developing digital era, website-based applications have become an important means of meeting the needs of various uses. One application that has received attention is the guest book registration application, which aims to record and manage guest information efficiently. In this context, application testing becomes crucial to ensure service quality, security and availability. This research focuses on black box testing, a software testing method that emphasizes the functionality and reliability of applications from the user's perspective. Testing covers key aspects such as data input, and key functionality. Through this approach, it is hoped that the research results can contribute to the development of a website-based guestbook registration application that is more reliable and suits user needs.

Virtual Patient and Family Engagement Strategies in Critical Care: A Scoping Review.

Background: Family engagement in care is increasingly recognized as an essential component of optimal critical care delivery. However, family engagement strategies have traditionally involved in-person family participation. Virtual approaches to family engagement may overcome barriers to family participation in care. The objective of this study was to perform a scoping review of virtual family engagement strategies in the intensive care unit (ICU). Methods: Studies were included if they involved a virtual engagement strategy with family members of an ICU patient and reported either (1) outcomes, (2) user perspectives, and/or (3) barriers or facilitators to virtual engagement in the ICU. Study types included primary research studies and review articles. Study selection followed the Joanna Briggs Institute Methodology for Scoping Reviews guidelines without any cultural, ethnic, gender, or specific language restrictions. The source of evidence included Ovid MEDLINE, PubMed, CINAHL, and Cochrane Library databases from inception to November 17, 2023. Google scholar was searched on December 1, 2023. Data were extracted on virtual engagement strategy used, outcomes (patient-centered, family-centered, and clinical), perspectives (patient, family, and health care professional [HCP]), and reported barriers or facilitators to virtual engagement in the ICU. Results were categorized into adult or pediatric/neonatal ICU setting. Results: Virtual engagement strategies identified were virtual visitation, virtual rounding, and virtual meetings. Family and HCPs were generally supportive of virtual visitation and rounding strategies. Overall, virtual strategies were associated with improved patient, family, and HCP outcomes. There were a few randomized interventional studies evaluating the effectiveness of virtual engagement strategies. Family, HCP, technological, and institutional barriers to the implementation and conduct of virtual engagement strategies were reported. Conclusions: Virtual family engagement strategies are associated with improved outcomes for patients, family, and HCPs. Identified barriers to virtual family engagement should be addressed. Future studies are needed to evaluate the effectiveness of virtual family engagement strategies in a more rigorous manner.

Development of Virtual Tours for Understanding the Built Environment of an Educational Building

Though we spend a significant amount of time in indoor and built environments as general occupants of residential or commercial spaces, we do not necessarily know how the heating, cooling, and ventilation services work in our occupied spaces. As the mechanical systems of buildings become more complex for energy saving and better indoor air quality, it is beneficial for occupants to learn more their built environment so that they can cooperate effectively for the building’s performance. In this context, the purpose of this research is to develop and evaluate how virtual reality (VR) technology can support occupants in understanding their built environment. An educational building on campus was selected for the development as it provides familiar spaces for potential participants in this research. This research was carried out in two stages. In Stage One, we, as researchers in mechanical engineering, explored the workflow for VR development and developed VR tours for four spaces: a classroom, an auditorium, a conference room, and a mechanical room. In Stage Two, we conducted a survey study to examine the VR experience from the perspective of users. In this survey study, we recruited 34 participants from engineering students/graduates, industry participants, and a sustainability group. The participants generally indicated a positive experience with the VR tours, although the quiz scores on the VR content were weak. From our reflection, we consider that positive and effective VR experiences for the education of the built environment require collaboration from three domains: (1) mechanical systems of buildings, (2) VR technology, and (3) pedagogy.

Fathers' experiences of the Maternal and Early Childhood Sustained Home visiting (MECSH) programme: A service user's perspective

It is widely recognised that fathers play an important role in the family unit, both in supporting maternal psychological wellbeing, and promoting children's mental health and development. This article presents a personal perspective of a father's experience of the Maternal and Early Childhood Sustained Home visiting programme (MECSH) delivered by a health visiting service in London. The article has been co-authored by a service user and a professional, a novel approach to presenting the voice of lived experience in health visiting publications. The co-production process of writing the article is discussed, acknowledging the strengths and limitations, rewards and challenges, and the strategies used along the way. Service user co-authorship in health visiting peer-reviewed publications contributes to the current national nursing research agenda to further public involvement, while providing valuable insights into the understanding of lived experiences.

Systemic barriers hinder person-centered home and community based services (HCBS): Perspectives of service users and professionals

BackgroundIn response to the 2014 Final Settings Rule issued by the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services, home-and-community based services (HCBS) provider organizations strengthened person-centered (PC) planning for HCBS to improve participants' choice and control over their services. Despite the call for widespread adoption of PC services, systemic barriers influence service users’ and professionals' experiences in receiving and delivering PC services. ObjectiveThis study describes the perspectives of HCBS professionals and users on systemic barriers that affect PC HCBS delivery. MethodsSemi-structured interviews with 20 HCBS users and 22 HCBS professionals explored perspectives on providing and receiving PC HCBS as well as higher level systems challenges to providing PC services. Qualitative analysis focused on participants’ perspectives of system-level issues. ResultsQualitative analysis generated three themes: (1) Workforce considerations; (2) Resources and service access; and (3) Infrastructure for feedback. High direct service provider turnover rates, service-eligibility determination procedures, and waitlists affected service delivery. Participants highlighted a need for increased direct service provider compensation, access to higher-quality training, improved financial resources, and effective feedback infrastructures. Waiver flexibility due to the Covid-19 public health emergency allowed expanded service access and improved quality. ConclusionOrganizational and system-level issues hinder delivery of PC services. Increased flexibility and resource allocation for service provision, as demonstrated in the Covid-19 public health emergency response, should be sustained. HCBS users’ suggestions for service-delivery improvements are consistent with recent state and organizational initiatives. HCBS improvements benefit from user-identified solutions in program development and implementation.

Digital platforms and reproductive health information: Navigating legal and ethical boundaries

In today's digital age, the dissemination of reproductive health information has shifted significantly to online platforms, offering unparalleled accessibility while presenting a myriad of legal and ethical challenges. This paper investigates the complex interplay between digital platforms and reproductive health information, navigating the intricate landscape of laws and regulations such as HIPAA and GDPR, and examining the challenges in enforcing these regulations across diverse platforms and jurisdictions. Ethical considerations loom large, necessitating a delicate balance between accuracy, cultural sensitivity, and inclusivity to meet the diverse needs and perspectives of users while safeguarding their privacy and confidentiality. Through case studies and examples, real-world challenges faced by digital platforms, including misinformation, censorship dilemmas, and data privacy breaches, are explored, highlighting the importance of clear policies, robust data protection measures, and stakeholder collaboration. Looking ahead, the paper identifies future trends and recommendations for enhancing the responsible dissemination of reproductive health information online, advocating for comprehensive sexual and reproductive health education and ongoing research to address emerging challenges effectively. In conclusion, concerted efforts from stakeholders are called for to prioritize the responsible provision of reproductive health information online, ensuring that legal, ethical, and public health considerations are balanced effectively in the digital realm.

Evaluation of Cross-Platform Technology Flutter Using Different System Environments

Abstract: The aim of the following thesis was to evaluate the cross-platform technology Flutter based on a user perspective. The key aspects investigated were user-perceived performance such as startup time and application size. Additionally, the userperception was also a key feature investigated. To evaluate the cross-platform technology Flutter, one social media applications was developed.

What factors determine the intention to use and recommend public autonomous shuttles in a real-life setting?

PurposeUser acceptance is a necessary precondition to implementing self-driving buses as a solution to public transport challenges. Focusing on potential users in a real-life setting, this paper aims to analyze the factors that affect their willingness to use public autonomous shuttles (PASs) as well as their word-of-mouth (WOM) intentions.Design/methodology/approachGrounded on Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT2), the study was carried out on a sample of 318 potential users in a real-life setting. The hypothesized relationships were tested using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM).FindingsThe study reveals that performance expectancy, facilitating conditions, hedonic motivation and trust are significant predictors of PAS usage intention, which is, in turn, related to WOM communication. Additionally, the factors that impact the intention to use a PAS are found to exert an indirect effect on WOM, mediated by usage intention.Practical implicationsThis study includes practical insights for transport decision-makers on PAS service design, marketing campaigns and WOM monitoring.Originality/valueWhile extant research focuses on passengers who have tried autonomous shuttles in experimental settings, this article adopts the perspective of potential users who have no previous experience with these vehicles and identifies the link between usage intention and WOM communication in a real-life traffic environment.

Symbiosis of Technology and Ethics: Preliminary Results of an Inquiry into the Moral Dimensions in the Use of Robotic Systems in Patient Care.

The present study aims to describe ethical and social requirements for technical and robotic systems for caregiving from the perspective of users. Users are interviewed in the ReduSys project during the development phase (prospective viewpoint) and after technology testing in the clinical setting (retrospective viewpoint). The preliminary results presented here refer to the prospective viewpoint.

Developing a Novel Prosthetic Hand with Wireless Wearable Sensor Technology Based on User Perspectives: A Pilot Study.

Myoelectric hands are beneficial tools in the daily activities of people with upper-limb deficiencies. Because traditional myoelectric hands rely on detecting muscle activity in residual limbs, they are not suitable for individuals with short stumps or paralyzed limbs. Therefore, we developed a novel electric prosthetic hand that functions without myoelectricity, utilizing wearable wireless sensor technology for control. As a preliminary evaluation, our prototype hand with wireless button sensors was compared with a conventional myoelectric hand (Ottobock). Ten healthy therapists were enrolled in this study. The hands were fixed to their forearms, myoelectric hand muscle activity sensors were attached to the wrist extensor and flexor muscles, and wireless button sensors for the prostheses were attached to each user's trunk. Clinical evaluations were performed using the Simple Test for Evaluating Hand Function and the Action Research Arm Test. The fatigue degree was evaluated using the modified Borg scale before and after the tests. While no statistically significant differences were observed between the two hands across the tests, the change in the Borg scale was notably smaller for our prosthetic hand (p = 0.045). Compared with the Ottobock hand, the proposed hand prosthesis has potential for widespread applications in people with upper-limb deficiencies.

Reconstruction and Integration: The Impact of Artificial Intelligence Generated Content on News Production

The burgeoning field of Artificial Intelligence Generated Content (AIGC) is garnering widespread attention and discussion across various industries. AIGC, an emerging form of content creation utilizing artificial intelligence, complements traditional content generation paradigms such as Professional Generated Content (PGC) and User Generated Content (UGC). On February 16, 2024, OpenAI officially announced its first text-to-video model - Sora. Sora's capabilities and attributes are sufficient to astonish the world: through text instructions, it can directly output videos up to 60 seconds long. These videos are not simple; they contain highly detailed backgrounds, complex multi-angle shots, and emotionally rich characters, bringing about a revolutionary impact on the news production process. This paper aims to explore the impact of AIGC on the news production process, encompassing aspects of news gathering, writing, and distribution. It also examines the opportunities and risks associated with AIGC's multimodal and large model characteristics. Furthermore, the paper proposes strategies to mitigate risks in AIGC news production from user, technological, and management perspectives, providing insights and contemplations for news producers and practitioners.

Post-COVID-19 assessment of the use of Open Educational Resources at five European Library and Information Science higher education institutions

This article presents an analysis of the impact of Open Educational Resources (OER) during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as their potential use in the post-pandemic, in Library and Information Science (LIS) higher education institutions. The research explored how OER were used and created, what were the main barriers and drivers in practice and some main lessons learned that can help to improve the quality and increase the use of OER beyond times of crisis. The research was based on fieldwork carried out in the LIS departments of the universities of Barcelona (Spain), Hildesheim (Germany), Osijek and Zagreb (Croatia) and the University of Library Studies and Information Technologies in Sofia (Bulgaria). The methodology approach was qualitative and was based on interviews with faculty and focus groups with students. Results show that faculty members were still hesitant to adopt OER since they generally did not consider them. Moreover, those who did use them did so on their own initiative and as additional resources. We discuss the different speeds of OER implementation that have been observed depending on the faculty’s prior level of knowledge, and on whether their institutions and countries are prepared to support the use of OER. The promotion of post-pandemic OER involves greater capacity building, as well as collaboration and institutional support. Students’ attitudes about the usefulness of OER focus on their availability. The large number of teachers and students who participated in the study, as well as the international scope of the study, constitute a strength in the treatment of a topic such as the use of OER where the user perspectives and LIS context have been little addressed in the literature.

SEEKING ANSWERS IN THE SHADOWS: THE USE OF AUTO-BASED ACCOUNTS ON TWITTER/X AS A PLATFORM FOR SOCIAL Q&A

SEEKING ANSWERS IN THE SHADOWS: THE USE OF AUTO-BASED ACCOUNTS ON TWITTER/X AS A PLATFORM FOR SOCIAL Q&A