Abstract
Purpose :
Basic digital performance tasks (DPT) can be used to assess digital readiness (DR) in the ever-evolving digital healthcare landscape. In an aging population with increased rates of visual impairment, many individuals may not be able to digitally use or have the knowledge to use their digital devices. Our aim was to validate the STAAR-Q assessment tool to assess DR in visually impaired elderly individuals. We present the qualitative data in the first part of our validation process (Figure 1: Step 1-4).
Methods :
STAAR-Q consists of several simple DPTs and a self-reported questionnaire to identify patients with suboptimal DRwhen using a mobile phone in the clinic setting by a trained administrator The 5 proposed DPTs included: 1) filling out the online form; 2) searching for information online; 3) downloading and using a medical application and making an appointment online; 4) finding a digital location and directions online; and 5) the ability to make a video call. Content validity was assessed by interviewing stakeholders who provided qualitative feedback with semi-structured interviews that was recorded and reviewed for content.
Results :
Seven patients (mean age 73 (64-81) years, 5 males) and 6 experts (low vision optometrist, occupational therapist, digital education specialist, digital ambassador, software designer and government policy representative) were interviewed. Qualitative feedback from the various stakeholders showed that the DPTs were user friendly, feasible, relevant, and important to the target group of patients to test DR to the digital health care landscape. Feedback was used to improve STAAR-Q protocol for content or item ambiguity and add additional DPTs deemed essential for our target group of patients (receiving a digital message and using a QR code).
Conclusions :
This initial qualitative stage of content validation involving feedback of the various stakeholders showed that the proposed DPTs were important, relevant, and user-friendly; and identified two additional DPTs that were added to the protocol for a more complete assessment of DR in this target population. A refined STAAR-Q protocol will be further tested with a larger cohort of patients in the second quantitative stage of the study.
This abstract was presented at the 2023 ARVO Annual Meeting, held in New Orleans, LA, April 23-27, 2023.