Designing a Browser Extension for Reliable Online Health Information Retrieval Among Older Adults Using Design Thinking

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5210/ojphi.v14i1.12593

Abstract

The pervasiveness of online mis/disinformation escalated during the COVID-19 pandemic. To address the proliferation of online mis/disinformation, it is critical to build reliability into the tools older adults use to seek health information. On average, older adult populations demonstrate disproportionate susceptibility to false messages spread under the guise of accuracy and were the most engaged with false information about COVID-19 across online platforms when compared to other age-groups. In a design-thinking challenge posed by AARP to graduate students in a Digital Health course at Tufts University School of Medicine, students leveraged existing solutions to design a web browser extension that is responsive to both passive and active health information-seeking methods utilized by older adults in the United States. This paper details the design-thinking process employed, insights gained from primary research, an overview of the prototyped solution, and insights relating to the design of effective health information-seeking platforms for older adults.

Author Biographies

Eden Shaveet, Tufts University School of Medicine

Eden Shaveet is a graduate student at Tufts University School of Medicine, studying Health Informatics and Analytics. She recieved a BA in Psychology from Elms College in 2019. Eden currently pursues research under Dr. Lisa Gualtieri.

Marissa Gallegos, Tufts University School of Medicine

Marissa Gallegos is a graduate student at Tufts University School of Medicine, studying Health Informatics and Analytics. She recieved a B.S. In Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from Oregon State University in 2019.

Jonathan Castle, Tufts University School of Medicine

Jonathan Castle is a graduate student at Tufts University School of Medicine, studying Health Informatics and Analytics. He received a B.F.A in Visual Communications from American Intercontinental University in 2009. Jonathan served for twenty years as an U.S. Army medic.

Lisa Gualtieri, Tufts University School of Medicine

Lisa Gualtieri, PhD, ScM is Associate Professor at Tufts University School of Medicine in the Department of Public Health and Community Medicine. She received her PhD in computer science from Harvard University. Dr. Gualtieri’s research lies at the intersection of technology and health, focusing on the design and use of technologies to help people lead healthier lives.

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Published

2022-10-23

How to Cite

Shaveet, E., Gallegos, M., Castle, J., & Gualtieri, L. (2022). Designing a Browser Extension for Reliable Online Health Information Retrieval Among Older Adults Using Design Thinking. Online Journal of Public Health Informatics, 14(1). https://doi.org/10.5210/ojphi.v14i1.12593

Issue

Vol. 14 No. 1 (2022): Online Journal of Public Health Informatics

Section

Original Articles

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