Transaction logfile analysis in health communication research: challenges and opportunities.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the individualized nature of eHealth communication, it is necessary for us to go beyond the conventional approach to explain the effect of eHealth initiatives. The current article proposes transaction logfile analysis as a unique method to probe the process by which individuals locate needed information and obtains benefits out of it. METHODS: This article discusses the background of logfile analysis along with practical and methodological issues related to the analysis of log data. RESULTS: This article recommends potential solutions to resolve issues discussed in the Section 2. CONCLUSIONS: This article discusses how transaction logfile analysis could benefit eHealth researchers, along with its relevance and application in health communication research. Logfile analysis could provide rich knowledge on how eHealth applications and tools work if performed on a regular basis, incorporated with appropriate measurement techniques and research design, and interpreted carefully. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Logfile analysis can point toward important design implications for more effective eHealth applications. Further, interventions employing logfile analysis require not only well-designed research models but also interdisciplinary research team to handle the multifaceted work involved in the process.