Usability of web-based tools designed for communication and decision-making in dementia: Systematic review and design brief

INTRODUCTION

There is an increased number of web-based tools designed for people with dementia and their family caregivers and addressing communication and decision-making. The loss of cognitive functions associated with dementia can impact individuals' experiences and use of web-based tools. There is a need for high quality and user-friendly web-based tools that support communication and decision-making for people with dementia and their family caregivers.

OBJECTIVE

To identify usability requirements, usability testing methods, and design suggestions from studies focusing on web-based tools for communication and decision-making support in dementia care.

METHODS

We conducted a systematic review with narrative synthesis. Five databases were systematically searched in February 2023. The quality of the included studies was assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool.

RESULTS

A total of 1,032 articles were identified and 7 fulfilled inclusion criteria. Web-based tools addressed technology usage, health promotion, home modification information, shared decision-making facilitation, information needs and social isolation. Methods to test usability included surveys, interviews, focus groups, cognitive walkthroughs and think-aloud procedures. Findings suggested reducing cognitive load, enhancing readability, providing clear language, and emphasising the need for additional support for people with dementia. Design recommendations include optimising information delivery and presentation, enhancing visual elements, streamlining navigation, providing concrete examples, using clear language, and offering training and tailored support.

CONCLUSION

Usability requirements ranged from visual appearance and navigation to delivery of content and support needed. This review contributes to efforts to improve design and development of web-based tools targeting communication and decision-making in dementia care. Further research should address tailored support to enhance usability for people with dementia.

GENI: A web server to identify gene set enrichments in tumor samples

The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and analogous projects have yielded invaluable tumor-associated genomic data. Despite several web-based platforms designed to enhance accessibility, certain analyses require prior bioinformatic expertise. To address this need, we developed Gene ENrichment Identifier (GENI, https://www.shaullab.com/geni), which is designed to promptly compute correlations for genes of interest against the entire transcriptome and rank them against well-established biological gene sets. Additionally, it generates comprehensive tables containing genes of interest and their corresponding correlation coefficients, presented in publication-quality graphs. Furthermore, GENI has the capability to analyze multiple genes simultaneously within a given gene set, elucidating their significance within a specific biological context. Overall, GENI's user-friendly interface simplifies the biological interpretation and analysis of cancer patient-associated data, advancing the understanding of cancer biology and accelerating scientific discoveries.

Traditional methods v. new technologies - dilemmas for dietary assessment in large-scale nutrition surveys and studies: a report following an international panel discussion at the 9th International Conference on Diet and Activity Methods (ICDAM9), Brisbane, 3 September 2015

The aim of the present paper is to summarise current and future applications of dietary assessment technologies in nutrition surveys in developed countries. It includes the discussion of key points and highlights of subsequent developments from a panel discussion to address strengths and weaknesses of traditional dietary assessment methods (food records, FFQ, 24 h recalls, diet history with interviewer-assisted data collection) v. new technology-based dietary assessment methods (web-based and mobile device applications). The panel discussion 'Traditional methods v. new technologies: dilemmas for dietary assessment in population surveys', was held at the 9th International Conference on Diet and Activity Methods (ICDAM9), Brisbane, September 2015. Despite respondent and researcher burden, traditional methods have been most commonly used in nutrition surveys. However, dietary assessment technologies offer potential advantages including faster data processing and better data quality. This is a fast-moving field and there is evidence of increasing demand for the use of new technologies amongst the general public and researchers. There is a need for research and investment to support efforts being made to facilitate the inclusion of new technologies for rapid, accurate and representative data.

Online Tools for TALEN Design

Transcription activator-like effector nucleases (TALENs) can be exquisitely specific and highly effective genome editing reagents. Specificity and efficacy depend however on good design for minimal off-targeting and strong binding. Several online tools are accessible to aid in this process. Here, we tabulate those tools, noting their functions and key features.

Feasibility testing of a web-based symptom self-management system for persons living with HIV

The purpose of this study was to explore the feasibility of using a Web-based tool to provide tailored symptom management strategies for persons living with HIV (PLWH) and to estimate the effect size of the tool for future studies. Testing the components of the Web-based system was done by incorporating a repeated-measures design measuring the outcomes of symptom frequency and intensity, use of symptom management strategies, and engagement with health care providers. We recruited 42 PLWH; participants were enrolled in the study for 12 weeks and were asked to use the system and complete the questionnaires every 2 weeks. Our results showed that participants who used the strategies were more likely to have a decrease in symptom frequency and intensity. Findings from this feasibility study provide preliminary evidence for the use of a Web-based HIV symptom management tool with self-management strategies for individuals living with HIV infection.