Examination of Ehealth Literacy and Health Information Technology Among Persons with Brain Injury

The use of online information portals for health information-seeking continues to increase. Particular interest is in the use of these technologies for persons with chronic illnesses, such as brain injury. However, despite the documented interest in online health information, little is known about the barriers that impede the use of online health information for persons with brain injury. This dissertation examined the usability and information factors that impacted ehealth literacy outcomes and the effective use of an ehealth information portal for persons with brain injury and caregivers. A cross-sectional usability evaluation was completed with 43 participants. Findings indicate clear trends in the consumption and use of brain injury-related information use by this population. Distinct mental models and information appraisal criteria arose during the usability evaluation related to choosing a particular information source, comprehension, satisfaction, media literacy, and the usefulness of the information. Finally, knowledge gains were observed after consumption of online media.