RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Health-related data's users have trouble understanding and interpreting combined statistical and mapping information. This is the second round of a usability study conducted after we modified and simplified our tested maps based on the first round's results. OBJECTIVE: To explore if the tested maps' usability improved by modifying the maps according to the first round's results. METHODS: We recruited 13 cancer professionals from National American Central Cancer registries (NACCR) 2016 conference. The study involved three phases per participant: A pretest questionnaire, the multi-task usability test, and the System Usability Scale (SUS). Software was used to record the computer screen during the trial and the users' spoken comments. We measured several qualitative and quantitative usability metrics. The study's data was analyzed using spreadsheet software. RESULTS: In the current study, unlike the previous round, there was no significant statistical relationship between the subjects' performance on the study test and the experience in GIS tools (P = .17 previously was .03). Three out of the four (75%) of our subjects with a bachelor's degree or less accomplished the given tasks effectively and efficiently. This study developed a comparable satisfaction results to the first round study, despite that the previous round's participants were highly educated and more experienced with GIS. CONCLUSION: By considering the round one's results and by updating our maps, we made the tested maps simpler to be used by subjects who have little experience in using GIS technology, and have little spatial and statistical knowledge.
RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Analyzing and visualizing health-related databases using Geographic Information Systems (GISs) becomes essential in controlling many public health problems. OBJECTIVES: To explore the perception and preferences of public health professionals (PHPs) about the usability of GISs in public health field. METHODS: For this scoping review, the investigators searched Medline Ovid, PubMed, IEEE, Scopus, and GeoBase databases. A total of 105 articles were identified. Nine articles met the inclusion criteria. RESULTS: Iterative evaluations, training, and involvement of GIS end users are productive in GIS usability. More methodologies are needed to support the validity of GIS usability studies. The exchange of GIS technology impacts public health policy and research positively. DISCUSSION: PHPs are aware of the use of GISs in the public health field, and the exchange of visualized health data in determining inequalities and inaccessibility issues. CONCLUSION: GISs are essential to control public health problems, if the related health datasets are analyzed carefully and if the mapping reports are extensively evaluated and interpreted.
