User-Centered Design Approach For Developing Web-based Dental Sealant Registry

Objectives: In order to design intuitive and usable system, the information needs and the workflow of the end-users must be incorporated within it. User Centered Design (UCD) is an approach that encompasses many methods with the goal of developing systems that are usable by focusing on user needs and requirements. The objective of this study was to incorporate UCD approach while developing a web-based sealant registry (DentaSeal) to support the operations of school-based sealant program.
Methods: We used a UCD approach to guide rapid iterations of the DentaSeal prototypes with formative usability testing. Usability evaluation protocols and approaches were designed iteratively. About ten participants were recruited for three rounds of usability testing. The first two rounds utilized task-based methods on patient-focused and administrative functionality with a think-aloud-protocol. The third round involved interviews to assess the functionalities. Success scores were used to evaluate usability metrics. Changes to the DentaSeal design were achieved in parallel to the usability evaluation.
Results: Workflow results were summarized in five categories: case management, caries risk assessment, tooth chart, information capture and enhanced charting. Results showed participants’ tendency to write notes in the paper form to record screening and sealant delivery. Enhancing tooth charting was one of the important measures that the users suggested. Moreover calculations of costs were identified as a burden to the users. DentaSeal was developed to streamline children’s data capture, enhance tooth charting and cost calculation, while accommodating flexible workflows for local programs.
Conclusions: UCD and iterative usability testing provided an important insight and a comprehensive evaluation of DentaSeal’s features and functionalities. Significant improvements in data collection and reporting functionality have allowed providers to track oral health records and enhance point-of-care data entry. The tool is currently utilized in state of Wisconsin and holds potential to be used by programs in more states.