Online self-exclusion from multiple gambling venues: Stakeholder co-design of a usable and acceptable self-directed website (Preprint)

Abstract

BACKGROUND Gambling self-exclusion programs are under-utilised and barriers to entry include shame and embarrassment with face-to-face registration, and complex and effortful procedures. OBJECTIVE The current study aimed to facilitate self-exclusion from gambling venues via an online self-directed website. METHODS A participatory co-design approach was used to elicit key stakeholders’ perspectives on required website features, functionality, and to identify variables potentially impacting on development and implementation. Semi-structured focus groups and interviews were conducted across four stakeholders (N = 25): self-exclusion end users (consumers, n = 5), gambling counsellors (n = 7), venue staff (n = 6), and policy makers (n = 7). RESULTS Overall, stakeholder perspectives were consistent with content analysis indicating the importance of website user-friendliness, flexibility, supportiveness, and trustworthiness. Importantly, these attributes were linked to target end users’: perceived vulnerabilities, diverse backgrounds and individual expectations. Thus, current findings have broader implications for digital health intervention design. Participants believed that the entire self-exclusion process should be conducted online, including identity verification, whilst expecting high-level data security measures to protect their personal privacy. A separate webpage was also suggested containing relevant information and links to additional help services, such as counselling. CONCLUSIONS This study describes an adaptable co-design framework for developing a usable and acceptable self-exclusion website. Future studies should empirically test system usability and acceptability to refine and maximise system uptake upon implementation. CLINICALTRIAL https://osf.io/6d54v/