COVID-19 Risk Index in the Peterborough Public Health Region: A Qualitative User Experience Study

Authors

  • Erin Smith McMaster University
  • Jane Hoffmeyer
  • Carolyn Pigeau
  • Keith Beecroft
  • Mohamed Kharbouch
  • Margret Lo
  • Thomas Piggott

Keywords:

Risk Communication, Health Communication, Risk Index, COVID-19, User Experience

Abstract

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has required novel risk communication strategies, prompting Peterborough Public Health to launch the COVID-19 Community Risk Index in March 2022. The aim of this study was to identify areas of strength and opportunities for improvement of the Risk Index by conducting user experience (UX) testing.

Methods: We conducted 14 semi-structured interviews via Zoom during October and November 2022. Participants included those who care for someone at high risk of COVID- 19 in the Peterborough Public Health region (healthcare workers, community organization employees, and family members) as well as local business owners. Our methods for UX testing were based on Morville’s honeycomb model, which outlines seven dimensions (usefulness, usability, desirability, findability, accessibility, credibility, value) that contribute to a positive user experience. Analysis included thematic analysis of findings using Morville’s model, which was done manually by indicating the frequency that responses occurred to determine themes within each dimension.

Results: Participants rated the Index highest in credibility and value, and lowest in usefulness and desirability. Key findings indicate that the Index can be improved by increasing findability, providing more context to each risk level, including more visuals, and incorporating other respiratory illnesses into the Index.

Interpretation: We identified necessary characteristics for effective COVID-19 risk communication. A key opportunity includes the incorporation of clear evidence and use of language to communicate risk and risk guidance. These results will be used to improve the Peterborough Public Health COVID-19 Risk Index, and offer insights to improvements in public health risk communication strategies broadly.

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Published

2024-11-10

How to Cite

Smith, E., Hoffmeyer, J., Pigeau, C., Beecroft, K., Kharbouch, M., Lo, M., & Piggott, T. (2024). COVID-19 Risk Index in the Peterborough Public Health Region: A Qualitative User Experience Study. McMaster University Journal of Public Health, 2(1). Retrieved from https://journals.mcmaster.ca/mujph/article/view/3514

Issue

Vol. 2 (2024): McMaster University Journal of Public Health (MUJPH)

Section

Original Research & Review Articles

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