REDCap Delivery of a Web-Based Intervention for Patients with Voice Disorders: Usability Study

Background: Web-based health interventions are increasingly common and are promising for patients with voice disorders because web-based participation does not require voice use. To address needs such as Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act compliance, unique user access, the ability to send automated reminders, and a limited development budget, we used the Research Electronic Data Capture (REDCap) data management platform to deliver a patient-facing psychological intervention designed for patients with voice disorders. This was a novel use of REDCap. Objective: We aimed to evaluate the usability of the intervention, with this intervention serving as a use case for REDCap-based patient-facing interventions. Methods: We used REDCap survey instruments to develop the web-based voice intervention modules, then conducted usability evaluations using (1) heuristic evaluations by 2 evaluators, and (2) formal usability testing with 7 participants, consisting of predetermined tasks, a think-aloud protocol, ease-of-use measurements, a product reaction card, and a debriefing interview. Results: Heuristic evaluations found strengths in visibility of system status and real-world match, and weaknesses in user control and help documentation. Based on this feedback, changes to the intervention were made before usability testing. Overall, usability testing participants found the intervention useful and easy to use, although testing revealed some concerns with design, content, and terminology. Some concerns were readily addressed, and others required adaptations within REDCap. Conclusions: The REDCap version of a complex web-based patient-facing intervention performed well in heuristic evaluation and formal usability testing. REDCap can effectively be used for patient-facing intervention delivery, particularly if the limitations of the platform are anticipated and mitigated.