Factors Affecting Usability and Acceptability of an Online Platform Used by Caregivers in Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services: Mixed Methods Study
2024

Usability and Acceptability of the myHealthE Platform for Caregivers

Sample size: 680 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Jessica Radley, Jessica Penhallow, Alice Wickersham, Anna Morris, Craig Colling, Johnny Downs

Primary Institution: King's College London

Hypothesis

This study aimed to assess the usability and acceptability of myHealthE as well as investigating whether any digital divides existed among its userbase in terms of sociodemographic characteristics.

Conclusion

The study found that while the myHealthE platform is generally usable and acceptable, there are significant digital divides based on household income that need to be addressed.

Supporting Evidence

  • 680 caregivers responded to the survey, providing insights into their experiences with the myHealthE platform.
  • Household income was found to significantly predict comfort with technology.
  • Only 11.5% of participants noticed the new 'virtual waiting room' update, indicating a need for better communication about platform features.

Takeaway

This study looked at how easy and helpful a digital platform is for parents trying to get mental health support for their kids, and found that some families might struggle to use it because of their income.

Methodology

A survey was sent to all myHealthE users, asking about their usage, comfort with technology, and experiences using the platform.

Potential Biases

The sample may not represent all caregivers, as it was limited to those who could complete an online survey.

Limitations

The study's online survey design may have limited the ability to measure digital divides accurately, as all participants were already comfortable using technology.

Participant Demographics

The majority of respondents were female, aged in their 30s or 40s, and ethnically diverse, with 45% from minority backgrounds.

Statistical Information

P-Value

0.05

Confidence Interval

95% CI 1.00‐1.29

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.2196/60042

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