Eye-tracking data was also recorded for a control version of the report, which replicated a format currently used by one of the major medical diagnostic test providers. A heat map of that data, where red indicates the areas receiving the most attention, is shown in Figure 9: Heat map presentation of gaze duration for current practice report . It is clear from that presentation that the legend received the most attention, and the HbA1c percentages were also studied for a considerable amount of time.
Overall, participants viewed this report for between four and five minutes (similar to the prototype report). Most (10 of 15) remembered some of the HbA1c fractions; however, only one of fifteen participants was able to correctly name the purpose of the test when interviewed the following day. This finding highlights the value of plain-language reports similar to the prototypes investigated. Participants here had an incorrect understanding of the test performed. In the context of the laboratory study, such an incorrect understanding obviously presents no threat. In a real treatment environment, however, such a misunderstanding could have quite serious implications if supporting medical professionals (such as the pharmacist) accept the patients understanding uncritically and offer additional products to help address the imagined problem.
Participants who received the control version of the report remembered the HbA1c numbers fairly accurately. However, they were the least able to interpret those results. In particular, each number indicates low, medium, or high risk. Few were able to explain these risks in any detail. By contrast, people who received the experimental report generally did not remember the specific numbers (around 4 out of 50 could remember any number accurately). All people in these groups, however, remembered the shape of the line and the risk category of each reading.
Figure 9: Heat map presentation of gaze duration for current practice report
Based on all above results, the following initial design guidelines were suggested: These were then refined further for the patients’ focus groups report.