MedGUIDE E-learning exposed to the target group, first findings.

[ June 2019 Utrecht, by Yusra Al Mudhafar]

The E-Learning incorporated in MedGUIDE is a ‘’guide’’ to dementia providing the user with information on symptoms, stadia, medication use and adherence to medication. It entails information about care technology and other support tools to enhance quality of daily living with dementia.  The e-Learning is intended for caregivers, family members and the seniors themselves. A student assistant from the HU performed a interesting user study on the e-learning platform with a group of interested seniors. A short report on her experiences is shared in this blog.

To investigate the usability and acceptance by the target group further research on the e-Learning was needed. For this research through several organisations respondents were recruited by the research assistant. During the research several printed versions of the e-Learning were used amongst the seniors. The quality of the prints was outreaching enough. The research assistant was warmly welcomed and al copies were distributed amongst the participants. The participants received a short introduction and were able to read the content at their own pace at home. Additional questionnaires were shared amongst the participants. After one week additional interviews with the participants took place. Everyone who was present was properly prepared for the interview. Many of the seniors looked at it from their own perspective. One of the interviews was with a photographer. He gave advise about the photos in the e-learning. She also had another interview with a respondent who had previously done research on dementia and cognitive exercise, who also provided her with tips for the content.

In general, the responses were very positive about the information contained in MedGUIDE's e-Learning. The following themes emerged from the interviews. First of all, the writing level of the e-learning was too difficult for the target group of seniors. Many difficult words and medical terms were used, making it not that easy to read. Also, the photos that were in the e-Learning generally did not add any value. Some respondents missed information about the care load of caregivers and prevention. In the end, the research assistant had numerous pleasant and instructive interactionsb, and she was able to finish her research with the information that she collected. The seniors were very enthusiastic and wanted to keep the e-Learning for their own use.

Author: Yusra Al Mudhafar, started an internship at the beginning of February at the Utrecht University of Applied Sciences. During the first ten weeks she focused on translating to Dutch and after this she investigated the usability and acceptance of the e-Learning of MedGUIDE.