Usability and Acceptability of the QuestLeukemia Mobile Application: A Pilot Study for An Educational and Psychological Intervention for Children with Chronic Illnesses

Abstract

It is widely accepted that educational interventions benefit children with chronic diseases (disease awareness and autonomy) or those undergoing medical procedures (decreased anxiety and improved satisfaction). Hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) is an intensive procedure to treat life-threatening diseases but is associated with multiple adverse medical experiences. QuestLeukemia (QuestED, Durham, NC) is a mobile app designed to educate pediatric patients preparing for HCT through age-appropriate videos and quizzes. Here we describe the results of the initial pilot study assessing acceptability and feasibility of QuestLeukemia app. Eligible participants were selected from a convenience sample (inpatient HCT unit and outpatient clinic). Participants spent 30–60 min using the app then completed a survey assessing the app for usability, accessibility, and user satisfaction. Participants identified the app as a useful tool for gaining disease-related knowledge and reported greater autonomy over their disease process. On average, patients indicated that the app was easy to use (M = 4.93), enjoyable (M = 4.79), and comprehensive (M = 4.71). Parents followed similar trends of satisfaction with the app. Pediatric HCT providers likewise reported that the app was easy to use (M = 4.22), enjoyable (M = 4.85), and educationally comprehensive (M = 4.77). The QuestLeukemia mobile application prototype provides an easy, enjoyable, and educational tool for pediatric patients undergoing HCT. This application was well received by patients, parents, and providers. These findings will be used to design future iterations of the game in clinical care.