Evaluating the usability and acceptability of a geographical information system (GIS) prototype to visualise socio-economic and public health data

Abstract

Background Understanding the impact of socio-economic inequality on health outcomes is arguably more relevant than ever before given the global repercussions of Covid-19. With limited resources, innovative methods to track disease, population needs, and current health and social service provision are essential. To best make use of currently available data, there is an increasing reliance on technology. One approach of interest is the implementation and integration of mapping software. This research aimed to determine the usability and acceptability of a methodology for mapping public health data using GIS technology. Methods Prototype multi-layered interactive maps were created demonstrating relationships between socio-economic and health data (vaccination and admission rates). A semi-structured interview schedule was developed, including a validated tool known as the System Usability Scale (SUS), which assessed the usability of the mapping model with five stakeholder (SH) groups. Fifteen interviews were conducted across the 5 SH and analysed using content analysis. A Kruskal-Wallis H test was performed to determine any statistically significant difference for the SUS scores across SH. The acceptability of the model was not affected by the individual use of smart technology among SHs. Results The mean score from the SUS for the prototype mapping models was 83.17 out of 100, indicating good usability. There was no statistically significant difference in the usability of the maps among SH (p = 0.094). Three major themes emerged with respective sub-themes from the interviews including: (1) Barriers to current use of data (2) Design strengths and improvements (3) Multiple benefits and usability of the mapping model. Conclusion Irrespective of variations in demographics or use of smart technology amongst interviewees, there was no significant difference in the usability of the model across the stakeholder groups. The average SUS score for a new system is 68. A score of 83.17 was calculated, indicative of a “good” system, as falling within the top 10% of scores. This study has provided a potential digital model for mapping public health data. Furthermore, it demonstrated the need for such a digital solution, as well as its usability and future utilisation avenues among SH.

Green City Landscape Design Based on GIS System

“…But a description of subclasses. For example, "line" can be an abstract class of "main line" and "secondary line" [15].…”

“…Jin Fengjun (2004) puts forward the concept of accessibility coefficient, which is defined as the total cost distance D of each node; compare the average value of the total cost distance of all nodes in the system, as shown in formula (15).…”

Relying on the French territorial offer of thermal spa therapies to build a care pathway for long COVID-19 patients

“…Secondly, these analyses then allow the identification of success and integration criteria of these care pathways in their territories adapted to the specificities of the produced care as well as to the geographical location of the care centers (here thermal) and of the potential patient base. This result then begins to demonstrate the original prospects offered by geographical attractiveness models (for example, Huff, [27,56] to help managers manage and steer care pathways beyond the boundaries of their local areas. Of course, this type of spa treatment can only be implemented on a larger scale if the clinical benefits are further demonstrated by randomized trials.…”

“…Indeed, geographical mapping is mainly used to visualize national and sub-national health data [26]. In public health, geographical mapping is sometimes used collaboratively [27][28][29] or thematically [30], but without really superimposing healthcare needs and resources integrating a care pathway. On the one hand, cartographic interaction and collaboration, representing the dialogue between a human and a map, provides auxiliary background knowledge and auxiliary map-reading tools to facilitate the transfer of geographical knowledge to the public [29].…”