POS1499-HPR EVALUATION OF USABILITY AND FEASIBILITY AND ACCEPTANCE OF THE DIGITAL TRAINING DIARY FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH AXSPA
Authors: N. Pfyl, L. Ettlin, K. Niedermann Schneider, A. K. Rausch
Journal: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (2024)

<h3>Background:</h3> The Swiss ankylosing spondylitis association (SVMB) aims to implement exercise recommendations [1] for individuals with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA). A digital training diary (<i>Trainingslog</i>) was developed to promote physical activity (PA) through self-monitoring and feedback and be used for PA counselling [2]. Usability is considered a key factor for the acceptance and use of a mobile health intervention [3] and is defined in terms of user performance and satisfaction and acceptance in terms of product usage [4]. Feasibility indicates the extent to which an innovation can be successfully used or implemented in a particular organisation or environment [5]. The quality of the mobile Health Intervention, as well as the adherence of the end-users is essentially influenced by the knowledge of usability, feasibility and acceptance of the <i>Trainingslog</i>. <h3>Objectives:</h3> To evaluate usability, feasibility and acceptance of the <i>Trainingslog</i> among individuals with axSpA and their physiotherapists (PTs) and to provide recommendations for further development. <h3>Methods:</h3> The study has an explanatory sequential mixed-methods design and was performed among the potential end-users of the <i>Trainingslog</i>. Within the development of the <i>Trainingslog</i> a user-centered approach was persued in which the opinions of users were taken into account at every stage of the development process.<sup>2</sup> Data were collected through the questionnaires System Usability Scale (SUS, 0-100 scale) and user version of the Mobile App Rating Scale (uMARS, 5 point scale), number of training entries and semi-structured online focus groups or individual interviews. Ethical approval was obtained (BASEC-NR. Rec-2022-00578). <h3>Results:</h3> A total of 11 PTs and 10 individuals with axSpA participated. The quantitative data showed mean SUS scores for usability of: 82.5 (SD 21.76) for PTs and 77.0 (SD 9.34) for individuals with axSpA, and mean uMARS sector B scores for feasibility of: 4.2 (SD 0.49) for PTs and individuals with axSpA: 4.1 (SD 0.38). Acceptance was given according to the results of the uMARS (Sector E and F mean score &gt;3 in both groups), but lower than expected agreement of the training entries (matching training entries in the <i>Trainingslog</i> and paper diary: 59.86%). The result of the qualitative data analysis revealed good usability and feasibility, but lower acceptance, which is mainly due to the web-based link instead of an app version. <h3>Conclusion:</h3> The <i>Trainingslog</i> exhibits good usability and feasibility among individuals. Therefore, it shows potential to be used by PTs in PA counselling or as self-monitoring tool for individuals with axSpA. However, to increase acceptance, it is recommended to provide the <i>Trainingslog</i> in an app-based version and implement other suggestions for improvement. <h3>REFERENCES:</h3> [1] Rausch Osthoff A-K, Niedermann K, <i>et al.</i> 2018 EULAR recommendations for physical activity in people with inflammatory arthritis and osteoarthritis. <i>Ann Rheum Dis</i> 2018;<b>77</b>:1251–60. [2] McCurdie T, <i>et al.</i> mHealth Consumer Apps: The Case for User-Centered Design. <i>Biomed Instrum Technol</i> 2012;<b>46</b>:49–56. [3] Zapata BC, et al. Empirical Studies on Usability of mHealth Apps: A Systematic Literature Review. <i>J Med Syst</i> 2015;<b>39</b>:1. [4] Bevan N, et al. What is Usability. <i>Proc 4th Int Conf HCI</i> 1991. [5] Proctor E, <i>et al.</i> Outcomes for Implementation Research: Conceptual Distinctions, Measurement Challenges, and Research Agenda. <i>Adm Policy Ment Health Ment Health Serv Res</i> 2011;<b>38</b>:65–76. <h3>Acknowledgements:</h3> Thanks to all PTs and individuals with axSpA for participation. <h3>Disclosure of Interests:</h3> <b>None declared.</b>