Evaluation of an eHealth Assistive Device Provision Training Tool: A Quasi-Experimental Study
- 1University of Ottawa
Abstract
BackgroundApproximately 2.5 billion people require assistive products (APs), yet access remains limited partly because of shortages of trained personnel. eHealth tools may help strengthen workforce capacity and translate evidence into practice. The World Health Organizations Training in Assistive Products (TAP) program is an open-access eHealth tool designed to strengthen AP provision. However, its impact on learner outcomes remains insufficiently evaluated. This study assessed the usability and acceptability of the TAP module and changes in self-efficacy in mobility aid provision.
MethodsWe conducted a quasi-experimental pre-post study with health science students who completed the WHO TAP "Introduction to Assistive Products" module. We assessed usability using the System Usability Scale, acceptability using the Technology Acceptance Model and Theoretical Framework of Acceptability, and self-efficacy using an adapted version of Banduras Multidimensional Scales of Perceived Self-Efficacy. We analyzed data using descriptive statistics and paired-samples t-tests.
ResultsOf 53 participants, 33 completed both assessments. Usability exceeded established benchmarks (76.97 {+/-} 9.66), indicating a positive user experience. Acceptability findings demonstrated favourable responses across domains, with high ratings for ease of use and intervention coherence, and comparatively lower burden scores. Mean self-efficacy increased across all competencies from 2.32 {+/-} 0.58 before the module to 4.23 {+/-} 0.36 afterward (p < 0.001), reflecting substantial gains in confidence in AP provision.
ConclusionThe eHealth TAP module demonstrated above-average usability and favourable acceptability, while significantly improving self-efficacy in AP provision. These findings highlight the potential for eHealth training implementation to strengthen workforce capacity and bridge training gaps in global health.
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BibTeX
@misc{sudhakar2026evaluation,
title = {{Evaluation of an eHealth Assistive Device Provision Training Tool: A Quasi-Experimental Study}},
author = {R. Sudhakar and J. O'Neil and K. Sauve-Schenk},
howpublished = {medRxiv},
year = {2026},
month = sep,
doi = {10.64898/2026.09.20.26363517},
url = {https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.09.20.26363517v1},
note = {CC BY-NC-ND},
}
RIS
TY - UNPB
TI - Evaluation of an eHealth Assistive Device Provision Training Tool: A Quasi-Experimental Study
AU - R. Sudhakar
AU - J. O'Neil
AU - K. Sauve-Schenk
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/09/20
PB - medRxiv
DO - 10.64898/2026.09.20.26363517
UR - https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.09.20.26363517v1
AB - BackgroundApproximately 2.5 billion people require assistive products (APs), yet access remains limited partly because of shortages of trained personnel. eHealth tools may help strengthen workforce capacity and translate evidence into practice. The World Health Organizations Training in Assistive Products (TAP) program is an open-access eHealth tool designed to strengthen AP provision. However, its impact on learner outcomes remains insufficiently evaluated. This study assessed the usability and acceptability of the TAP module and changes in self-efficacy in mobility aid provision. MethodsWe conducted a quasi-experimental pre-post study with health science students who completed the WHO TAP "Introduction to Assistive Products" module. We assessed usability using the System Usability Scale, acceptability using the Technology Acceptance Model and Theoretical Framework of Acceptability, and self-efficacy using an adapted version of Banduras Multidimensional Scales of Perceived Self-Efficacy. We analyzed data using descriptive statistics and paired-samples t-tests. ResultsOf 53 participants, 33 completed both assessments. Usability exceeded established benchmarks (76.97 {+/-} 9.66), indicating a positive user experience. Acceptability findings demonstrated favourable responses across domains, with high ratings for ease of use and intervention coherence, and comparatively lower burden scores. Mean self-efficacy increased across all competencies from 2.32 {+/-} 0.58 before the module to 4.23 {+/-} 0.36 afterward (p < 0.001), reflecting substantial gains in confidence in AP provision. ConclusionThe eHealth TAP module demonstrated above-average usability and favourable acceptability, while significantly improving self-efficacy in AP provision. These findings highlight the potential for eHealth training implementation to strengthen workforce capacity and bridge training gaps in global health.
ER -