Accessibility and usability of a digital TV health information database

City University and the University of Sheffield have been commissioned by the Department of Health to evaluate the use of digital interactive television as a source of health information. The aim of this study was to evaluate access issues related to one of these pilot projects, the Living Health database. Nine older people and four deaf people tested the accessibility and usability of the database by attempting to find answers to their health questions. Their opinions were obtained using a combination of questionnaires, interviews and observations. Readability tests were also carried out to assess the reading level of the information content. The results gave an insight into the issues of accessibility and usability, and attempted to describe the individual experiences, difficulties, opinions and perceptions of the study participants. Recommendations were subsequently made for improving the accessibility and usability of the Living Health database to deaf and older people.