Abstract
Introduction: Alcohol misuse is more common in the UK Armed Forces than in the general population. Smartphone interventions to support alcohol reduction may offer an opportunity to reduce alcohol misuse because they reduce barriers associated with seeking traditional face-to-face support for the condition. They
reduce the perceived stigma around seeking help and increase the availability and accessibility of support. The usability of smartphone apps in healthcare may become pivotal in supporting individuals who are misusing alcohol. The aim of this pilot study was to assess the usability of Drinks:Ration, an alcohol
reduction app for UK veterans.
Methods: Drinks:Ration was assessed and evaluated by expert and veteran users using a one-to-one model. ‘Expert users’, individuals who provide healthcare services to the UK Armed Forces community, and ‘veteran users’, individuals who have previously served in the UK Armed Forces, were recruited via mailing listings,
a veteran’s mental health charity and social media. Participants were asked to download and use Drinks:Ration for 14-days, complete the mHealth App Usability Questionnaire online and were invited to a semi-structured telephone interview. Interview data was transcribed verbatim and analysed using thematic analysis.
Results: 16 participants downloaded the app, 14 of 16 (88%) completed the usability questionnaire and 12 of 16 (75%) went on to be interviewed. The median usability score across all measures was 6 and the interquartile range was 6-7, indicating good usability. Three core themes were identified: simplicity; appropriateness for veterans; and engagement. Most participants described Drinks:Ration as an intuitive, easy to use app which could be learned quickly, even for those who are less technologically able. Participants thought that the app was
suitable for the target population, and potentially had utility for the wider military community. The use of notifications and personalised content was discussed as a feature which increased app engagement.
Conclusion: Drinks:Ration was easy to use, satisfactory and useful for veterans, and had an appealing interface. Users described the app as suitable and usable to help veterans monitor their alcohol consumption, and potentially begin to change their drinking behaviours. Features which involved self-monitoring behaviour were particularly favoured to engage veterans in behaviour change. Most feedback was positive. However, this evaluation highlighted some issues surrounding the usability and acceptability of various features of the app. We also received recommendations for improvements. These criticisms helped us to modify the app
reduce the perceived stigma around seeking help and increase the availability and accessibility of support. The usability of smartphone apps in healthcare may become pivotal in supporting individuals who are misusing alcohol. The aim of this pilot study was to assess the usability of Drinks:Ration, an alcohol
reduction app for UK veterans.
Methods: Drinks:Ration was assessed and evaluated by expert and veteran users using a one-to-one model. ‘Expert users’, individuals who provide healthcare services to the UK Armed Forces community, and ‘veteran users’, individuals who have previously served in the UK Armed Forces, were recruited via mailing listings,
a veteran’s mental health charity and social media. Participants were asked to download and use Drinks:Ration for 14-days, complete the mHealth App Usability Questionnaire online and were invited to a semi-structured telephone interview. Interview data was transcribed verbatim and analysed using thematic analysis.
Results: 16 participants downloaded the app, 14 of 16 (88%) completed the usability questionnaire and 12 of 16 (75%) went on to be interviewed. The median usability score across all measures was 6 and the interquartile range was 6-7, indicating good usability. Three core themes were identified: simplicity; appropriateness for veterans; and engagement. Most participants described Drinks:Ration as an intuitive, easy to use app which could be learned quickly, even for those who are less technologically able. Participants thought that the app was
suitable for the target population, and potentially had utility for the wider military community. The use of notifications and personalised content was discussed as a feature which increased app engagement.
Conclusion: Drinks:Ration was easy to use, satisfactory and useful for veterans, and had an appealing interface. Users described the app as suitable and usable to help veterans monitor their alcohol consumption, and potentially begin to change their drinking behaviours. Features which involved self-monitoring behaviour were particularly favoured to engage veterans in behaviour change. Most feedback was positive. However, this evaluation highlighted some issues surrounding the usability and acceptability of various features of the app. We also received recommendations for improvements. These criticisms helped us to modify the app
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Publication status | Published - 2021 |
| Event | Canadian Institute for Military and Veteran Health Research (CIMVHR) Virtual Forum 2021 - Duration: 18 Oct 2021 → 20 Oct 2021 |
Conference
| Conference | Canadian Institute for Military and Veteran Health Research (CIMVHR) Virtual Forum 2021 |
|---|---|
| Abbreviated title | CIMVHR FORUM |
| Period | 18/10/2021 → 20/10/2021 |
