This study is a randomized controlled trial, nested in the SKETHIS e-cohort, aiming to evaluate whether adding a modest, narrative-driven, strorytelling introduction to a Patient-Reported Outcome questionnaire increases completion without compromising data quality. This trial is led by SKEZI, a DeepTech start-up which markets a data collection solution and carries out the InnoPRO program, aimed at generating new knowledge in the field of e-cohorts.
SKETHIS is a national e-cohort that serves as an observatory of health-related quality of life in France. Launched in September 2023 by SKEZI, the cohort is built as a secure health-data warehouse hosted on the SKEZIA data-collection solution. While its primary aim is to monitor health-related quality of life, its trajectories and determinants, SKETHIS is also the opportunity for SKEZI to carry out its InnoPRO program, an initiative dedicated to generate new knowledge in the field of e-cohorts. Gamification, i.e. the integration of game-design elements, such as points, levels, or badges into non-game contexts, has been shown to increase usage, prolong retention and improve adherence to e-health services. Storytelling is a specific gamification tool that employs narrative techniques (voices, story characters, suspense, etc.) to structure a coherent, accessible and engaging participants' experience. Improving and maintaining participant engagement is a major challenge for large-scale e-cohorts. Although gamification and storytelling have been empirically used to boost participation, the effect of storytelling on self-administered patient reported outcome questionnaires has not been evaluated in a rigorously designed randomized clinical trial. Purpose of the study To determine whether adding a modest, narrative-driven storytelling introduction to a Patient-Reported Outcome questionnaire increases questionnaire completion without compromising data quality. How the study will be done This study is a parallel-group randomized controlled trial nested within SKETHIS. All eligible SKETHIS participants (i.e. participants who have completed the first questionnaire and socio-demographic questionnaire) will be randomly assigned to one of two groups: 1. Intervention: Patient-Reported Outcome Questionnaire with storytelling 2. Control: Patient-Reported Outcome Questionnaire without storytelling The same Patient-Reported Outcome questionnaire (French version of the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire \[GPAQ\]) will be used in both groups (with the same questions). The introduction page and design of the questionnaire will differ between the two groups: short narrative with minimal visual design (color palette, icons, illustrations) for the intervention group; neutral (plain text, no narrative, no visual embellishment) for the control group. Questions the study will answer * Does the storytelling increase completion rate of the questionnaire (proportion of participants who fully completed the questionnaire) within 30 days, compared to the neutral (control) version? * Does the storytelling improve participants' self reported satisfaction (Net Promoter Score) after questionnaire completion? * Does the storytelling reduce the drop out (abandonment) rate - i.e., the proportion of participants who start the questionnaire but do not finish it - within 30 days of receipt? * Does the storytelling affect the quality of the data collected? Hypothesis Investigators hypothesized that the integration of storytelling in self-reported Patient-Reported Outcome questionnaire will increase completion rates and participants' satisfaction, without negatively impacting data quality. Why this matters Finding ways to increase engagement in SKETHIS, and other online cohorts, will help improving the quantity and quality of the data that can be used for future health research. The results will be shared in a peer reviewed scientific article and could guide the design of future e cohort studies worldwide.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
OTHER
Masking
TRIPLE
Enrollment
500
In the context of the SKETHIS e-cohort, participants receive an email inviting them to complete a new online questionnaire regarding their physical activity. Participants are unaware that the experiment is being conducted or that the questionnaire uses storytelling.
SKEZI
Paris, France
Completion rate
Proportion of participants who complete the Patient-Reported Outcome questionnaire within 30 days after the questionnaire is first sent, calculated as number of participants who fully completed the questionnaire divided by total number of participants included in the study (or arm)
Time frame: 30 days after sending the questionnaire
Completion rate for non-mandatory questions
Number of participants who answered additional non-mandatory questions divided by number of participants who validated the questionnaire
Time frame: 30 days after sending the questionnaire
Ratio number of answered questions over time spent on the questionnaire
Number of answered questions divided by time spent on the questionnaire
Time frame: 30 days after sending the questionnaire
Internal validity of the Patient-Reported Outcome questionnaire
Cronbach alpha and "floor and ceiling effects" for the Patient Reported Outcome questionnaire (Global Physical Activity Questionnaire)
Time frame: 30 days after sending the questionnaire
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