Analyzing Opioid-Use Disorder Websites In The United States: An Optimized Website Usability Study (Preprint)

Abstract

BACKGROUND As the United States continues to tackle the opioid epidemic, it is imperative for digital healthcare organizations to provide internet users accurate and accessible online resources so that they can make informed decisions with regards to their health. The aim of this study was to analyze the usability of opioid-use disorder (OUD) websites. OBJECTIVE The primary objectives of this study were based on the objectives established by previous literature but were adapted towards analyzing usability of OUD-related websites. The objectives were to adapt and modify a previously established usability methodology from literature, apply this modified methodology in order to analyze OUD websites, and make important recommendations that OUD-related digital health organizations may utilize to improve their online presence. METHODS A list of 208 websites (later refined to sample size of “n=96” websites) were generated for usability testing using a modified Google search methodology established by previous literature. Four keywords were chosen and used in the search: “DEA-X Waiver Training”, “OUD Initiatives”, “Buprenorphine Assisted Treatment” and “Opioid-Use Disorder Websites”. The list was compiled between April 20, 2021 and April 23, 2021. Using an usability methodology established by previous literature, website usability testing was performed from April 24, 2021 to May 19, 2021. Usability analysis was performed concurrently with optimization of the methodology. OUD websites were analyzed and scored on several usability categories. RESULTS “DEA-X Waiver Training” yielded websites that scored the highest average in “Accessibility” (0.84), while “Opioid-Use Disorder Websites” yielded websites that scored the highest average in “Content Quality” (0.67). “Buprenorphine Assisted Treatment” yielded websites that scored the highest average across “Marketing” (0.52), “Technology” (0.89), “General Usability” (0.69), and “Overall Usability” (0.68). “Technology” was the highest scoring usability category among all of the keywords. “Marketing” was the lowest scoring category among all keywords. Statistical T-test analysis revealed that each usability, except “Marketing” had a pair of one or more keywords that were significantly different with a P-value that was equal to or less than 0.05. CONCLUSIONS Based on the findings, we recommend that digital organizations in the OUD space should improve their “General Usability” score by making their websites more discoverable (thereby improving their “Marketing” usability score as well). Doing so, may allow many users, especially individuals in the OUD space, to discover pertinent and accurate information that they are seeking. In conclusion, the primary objectives of this study were addressed. A previously established usability methodology was adapted and modified for the analysis of OUD websites. Based on the study findings, we made important recommendations that OUD-related digital organizations may utilize in order to improve website usability as well as overall reach.