Usability of a Cloud-Based Home Healthcare Client Monitoring Platform: A Simulation-Based Approach

Purpose: The aim of this study was to assess the usability of a cloud-based home healthcare monitoring platform (CHHM).

Design: A proof of concept using a simulated client scenario was used in this study.

Methods: Using a mixed-methods approach, a convenience sample of 14 nursing students was used to assess the usability of CHHM during a simulation. Students engaged in evaluation using two questionnaires: the Post-Study System Usability Questionnaire (Usability Questionnaire) and a researcher-developed questionnaire incorporating qualitative responses.

Results: The overall mean score of the Usability Questionnaire was 2.91, with the range of 7, indicating the usability of the platform. The Usability Questionnaire was negatively scored, with 1 being the best. The means of the two subscales, System Usefulness (2.77) and Information Quality (3.26), illustrated the platform's solid performance. The Interface Quality subscale mean was 2.94, indicating a lower level of satisfaction. Qualitative data from the researcher-developed questionnaire indicated that participants found the platform straightforward, clear, and user-friendly, with the potential to enhance practice.

Clinical relevance: This platform may enhance rehabilitation nurses' ability to monitor clients at home.

Conclusion: The CHHM can support and enhance the delivery of home health care by enabling continuous remote monitoring. By incorporating user-centered design principles, cloud-native architecture, and wearable sensors, we demonstrated a proof of concept and laid the foundation for further platform development.