Usability of the evidence-based Japanese integrative medicine (eJIM) information site: analysis with focus group discussion and internet survey on the general population

BACKGROUND: The information site for evidence-based Japanese Integrative Medicine (eJIM) was launched by the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare to enable patients, medical staff, and others to obtain appropriate information, but it has not been objectively evaluated by users. The present study aimed to assess the usability of the eJIM website from the viewpoint of the general population. METHODS: We held a focus group discussion with 12 persons in November 2016, conducted an Internet survey of 1107 people (general population) in February 2017, and assessed their understanding of basic concepts of complementary and alternative medicine and usefulness of the contents after browsing the eJIM website. Levels of functional, communicative, and critical health literacy were also assessed. RESULTS: Most patients had never visited the eJIM website, because basic terms such as “integrative medicine” and “evidence” were not fully understood. Most overseas information in English was difficult to understand for the general Japanese population, although approximately 50% of the information was translated into Japanese. The degree of appropriate responses depended on health literacy level. CONCLUSION: The usability of eJIM website was low, because the currently available information did not meet the needs of the general population. Moreover, simpler expressions and visual tools would help the general population to understand the website contents more easily. A further survey that considers cultural and quantitative perspectives is warranted.