Ines Steinke

Comparison of four different mobile devices for measuring heart rate and ECG with respect to aspects of usability and acceptance by older people.

In the area of product design and usability, most products are developed for the mass-market by technically oriented designers and developers for use by persons who themselves are also technically adept by todays standards. The demands of older people are commonly not given sufficient consideration within the early developmental process. In the present study, the usability and acceptability of four different devices meant to be worn for the measurement of heart rate or ECG were analyzed on the basis of qualitative subjective user ratings and structured interviews of twelve older participants. The data suggest that there was a relatively high acceptance concerning these belts by older adults but none of the four harnesses was completely usable. Especially problematic to the point of limiting satisfaction among older subjects were problems encountered while adjusting the length of the belt and/or closing the locking mechanism. The two devices intended for dedicated heart rate recording yielded the highest user ratings for design, and were clearly preferred for extended wearing time. Yet for all the devices participants identified several important deficiencies in their design, as well as suggestions for improvement. We conclude that the creation of an acceptable monitoring device for older persons requires designers and developers to consider the special demands and abilities of the target group.

Der seniorenfreundliche EKG Brustgurt — Empfehlungen aus der Wissenschaft

ZusammenfassungDas längere Tragen von EKG-Gurten durch ältere Menschen mit leichten Beeinträchtigungen kann stationäre Aufenthalte verhindern sowie ein längeres selbstbestimmtes Leben in häuslicher Umgebung ermöglichen. Entscheidend für eine gute Compliance sind die Bedienbarkeit und der Tragekomfort im Alltag. Hier zeigen handelsübliche Gurte noch deutliche Defizite und es existieren wenige Studien, die systematisch die besonderen Anforderungen der älteren Zielgruppe erhoben haben. In einer empirischen Studie mit einer repräsentativen Auswahl von marktüblichen Gurten wurde mit 12 Senioren die Usability beim Anund Ablegen sowie der Tragekomfort bei Aktivitäten des täglichen Lebens über eine längere Zeitspanne hinweg evaluiert. In einer systematischen Literaturanalyse wurden weitere Anforderungen aus Beiträgen einschlägiger Zeitschriften gesichtet und analysiert und der Anforderungsanalyse zugezogen. Auf Basis der Ergebnisse geben die Autoren Empfehlungen für die altengerechte Konstruktion von EKG-Gurten. Dabei wurden elf Empfehlungen abgeleitet, welche Farbvorschläge, Empfehlungen zu Verschluss und Größe des Gurtes umfassen. Ein wichtiger Aspekt ist beispielsweise der Verschluss, der vorne am Körper liegen sollte und sich auch mit feinmotorischen Defiziten leicht öffnen und schließen lassen sollte. Es lässt sich konstatieren, dass es aus der Zielgruppe der Älteren besondere Anforderungen gibt, die zwingend notwendig für eine gute Compliance sind, und diese früher in den Entwicklungsprozess eingebunden werden sollten.AbstractThe adherent use of ECG-devices by older adults with age-related deficits can prevent or at least delay their need for expensive hospitalizations and support their continued independence. However, usability of such devices and associated comfort in daily life are crucial factors related to good compliance. Commercially available belts show several important deficiencies in usability and to date only few studies have systematically assessed specific requirements of the target group. In an empiric study, the usability and acceptability of four different devices for the continuous measurement of heart rate or ECG were analyzed regarding both trying on/ removing the belt and issues of comfort while performing a spectrum of different exercises representing activities of daily life. Additionally, a comprehensive review of the literature was conducted and further recommendations were added. Based on these results, the authors give recommendations for the construction of age appropriate ECG belts. Eleven recommendations were derived including color suggestions, recommendations concerning the locking mechanism and the size of the belt. For example, an important recommendation regarding the locking mechanism states that the clasp should be located at the front side and should be easily opened, even with a reduced manual dexterity. We conclude that there are specific requirements of the target group which need to be considered by developers in order to meet the special demands and abilities of older persons.