Evaluating a Web-Based System for Tracking Public Health Practice Experiences: User Perceptions, Challenges, and Recommendations for Technology Improvement

The purpose of this descriptive research study was to evaluate the web-based practice experience tracking system at a school of public health (SPH) at a large southeastern university. Applied practice experiences (APEs) are a key component of public health education, and schools and programs of public health in the United States must provide documentation of APEs and practice-related activities to meet accreditation standards. A descriptive research evaluation examined how users perceive and use the existing web-based system designed to document APEs in the SPH. Research questions investigated what factors influence the use of the existing system, identified challenges users face when using the system, and focused on recommendations for improvement in tracking practice-based experiences using the web-based system. The research design is a case study that uses a convergent mixed methods approach where qualitative and quantitative data were collected simultaneously from students, faculty, and practitioner partners of the SPH. Semi-structured interviews were used to gather qualitative data from 8 participants and a survey was used to gather quantitative data from 82 respondents. The Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) and the User Burden Scale (UBS) served as the theoretical basis for the semi-structured interviews and the survey. Quantitative and qualitative results indicated overall positive perceptions toward constructs related to perceived usefulness, ease-of-use, social influence, and user burden. Overall attitude toward the system was rated most negatively by participants. Research findings can serve as a guide for other schools and programs who are required to document and report on practice-based learning to meet accreditation requirements.