A framework for the usability evaluation of a mobile health application for early childhood development teachers teaching in remote, rural and low-resourced settings in Africa

Résumé

Abstract Introduction South Africa has a high prevalence of motor skills impairment. Task shifting and developing mLearning modules for early childhood development teachers, presents a potential solution for the early identification and treatment of motor skill delays and making healthcare more accessible in rural and low-resourced settings. The aim of the study was to evaluate the overall usability of the Hopscotch mobile training app with ECD teachers in low-resource settings. Methods Using a concurrent mixed-methods approach. We conducted a standard laboratory usability test with a think-aloud protocol, provided access to the Hopscotch Programme App over two weeks, and evaluated the impact of the app on ECD teacher’s ability to promote motor skills in the classrooms. During the laboratory test, a demographic questionnaire, Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM) as a performance pretest, the Systems Usability Scale (SUS), and likes, dislikes and recommendations feedback forms were completed. The COPM was readministered after two weeks of app engagement as a performance post-test. Results Our mobile health application had an above-average level of usability, with an average SUS percentile rank of 79,79. Two thirds of participants ( n = 8 of 12) found the app to have acceptable usability. Paired t-tests showed statistically significant improvement in self-reported performance and satisfaction scores after two weeks of app engagement. Participants made 14 recommendations to improve the overall usability of the app. Conclusion The usability evaluation revealed that ECD teachers working in low-resource schools in Cape Town, South Africa were satisfied with the Hopscotch Programme App, and that it improved their sense of competence. These finding support future use of the app in task shifting interventions for motor skill impairment from rehabilitation professionals to teachers, in low resource contexts.

Citer ce document

Accès au document

Texte intégral en lecture en ligne, réservé aux abonnés SPHAERO et aux membres de l'institution. Se connecter

Auteur(s)

Statistiques

Consultations : 1

Téléchargements : 0