Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a life-changing event as it incurs primary impairment (e.g., paralysis, bladder dysfunction), as well as secondary health conditions (e.g., spasticity, pressure sores), and impacts on life domains (e.g., housing, transportation). As a result, assessing quality of life (QoL) post-SCI is challenging since QoL can be impacted in various ways depending on specific (or a combination of) health conditions and life domains. To address these challenges, the Participation and Quality of Life (PAR-QoL) website, an online knowledge mobilization tool, was developed to aid clinicians and researchers in the selection of QoL outcome tools specific to SCI. The aim of this study was to evaluate the usability and use of the website.

Using a technology acceptance framework, an online usability survey was developed and employed to gain information about how the website was used, perceived ease of use, and improvement recommendations. The actual use was assessed through a 26-item survey and through Google analytics. Recruitment targeted researchers and clinicians who worked with individuals with SCI. Survey and web data were analyzed using descriptive statistics.

Forty-six individuals responded. More than 60% used the website to find tools for work. The website was perceived as easy to use by 80% of respondents. To improve the website, respondent suggested rearranging classification, developing a French version, and adding more up-to-date evidence. There were a total of 181.179 users who made 303.810 visits to the website between April 2012 and November 2017. Returning visitors comprised 13% of the total visits.

The PAR-QoL website was perceived to be an important and useful knowledge mobilization tool with QoL outcome tools for SCI that are easy to find. Usability may be improved through modification of navigation processes and improved organization of content, which may facilitate greater uptake.