A Study on the Adoption of a Web Page Content Assessment Tool: SPAT

As more users rely on web-based health information there is a growing need to identify reliable information sources. Currently there are a few evaluation approaches for web-based information but they require paper-based materials for note taking or require utilization on a subjective ranking system. In each case, these approaches require an extended period of time to assess the web page and do not provide a validated measure of accuracy or quality. The broad aim of this study was to measure the validity and the adoption, of the new web page assessment tool, SPAT. The mnemonic, SPAT, stands for Site, Publisher, Audience, and Text. As a web page assessment tool, SPAT cues individuals to analyze four components of a web page, each showing a sign of reliability. Once the individual inspects the web page with the SPAT criteria, they then make an educated assessment on the quality of the information presented. A cohort of certified diabetes educators were introduced to SPAT and tested its application. Results revealed that SPAT showed characteristics of validity and routine use. Within the convenience sample of certified diabetes educators there was 100% performance in evaluating a web page for an author and date. Analyzing the web page to perceive the intended web page audience also had 100% compliance while looking at the text of the web page occurred 90% of the time. This investigation was accomplished through the completion of a formal research process, each described within the body of this dissertation. The SPAT instrument would not only be of value for health care professionals but for general information consumers as well.

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