Usability and Perceived Usefulness of a Web-based Clinical Decision Support System for Managing Periapical Radiolucencies in Root-filled Teeth

Area of Science:

• Dental Informatics
• Health Services Research

Background:

• Mobile health applications enhance clinical decision-making.
• Usability and perceived usefulness are key factors for adoption of health technologies.
• Periapical radiolucencies require effective clinical decision support.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the usability and perceived usefulness of the DentalHelp web application.
• To assess the DentalHelp clinical decision support system (CDSS) for managing periapical radiolucencies.
• To determine the potential of DentalHelp as an educational and clinical tool.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study involving 51 third-year dental students.
• Participants performed clinical tasks using the DentalHelp web app.
• Usability and perceived usefulness were measured using the System Usability Scale (SUS) and a Technology Acceptance Model questionnaire.

Main Results:

• The DentalHelp app achieved a mean SUS score of 96/100, indicating excellent usability.
• Perceived usefulness was rated highly at 4.65/5.
• High agreement was found regarding the app's effectiveness in clinical decision-making.

Conclusions:

• DentalHelp exhibits high usability and usefulness, validating its role as a clinical and educational tool.
• The CDSS is effective for managing periapical radiolucencies.
• Further research should investigate clinical outcome impact and long-term adoption.