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. 2008 Jun;71(3):378-87.
doi: 10.1016/j.pec.2008.02.017. Epub 2008 Apr 15.

Using health communication best practices to develop a web-based provider-patient communication aid: the CONNECT study

Linda Fleisher  1 , Joanne Buzaglo, Michael Collins, Jennifer Millard, Suzanne M Miller, Brian L Egleston, Nicholas Solarino, Jonathan Trinastic, Donald J Cegala, Al B Benson 3rd, Kevin A Schulman, Kevin P Weinfurt, Daniel Sulmasy, Michael A Diefenbach, Neal J Meropol
Affiliations

Using health communication best practices to develop a web-based provider-patient communication aid: the CONNECT study

Linda Fleisher et al. Patient Educ Couns. 2008 Jun.

Abstract

Objective: Although there is broad consensus that careful content vetting and user testing is important in the development of technology-based educational interventions, often these steps are overlooked. This paper highlights the development of a theory-guided, web-based communication aid (CONNECT), designed to facilitate treatment decision-making among patients with advanced cancer.

Methods: The communication aid included an on-line survey, patient skills training module and an automated physician report. Development steps included: (1) evidence-based content development; (2) usability testing; (3) pilot testing; and (4) patient utilization and satisfaction.

Results: Usability testing identified some confusing directions and navigation for the on-line survey and validated the relevance of the "patient testimonials" in the skills module. Preliminary satisfaction from the implementation of the communication aid showed that 66% found the survey length reasonable and 70% found it helpful in talking with the physician. Seventy percent reported the skills module helpful and about half found it affected the consultation.

Conclusion: Designing patient education interventions for translation into practice requires the integration of health communication best practice including user feedback along the developmental process.

Practice implications: This developmental process can be translated to a broad array of community-based patient and provider educational interventions.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of Interest: None (see comment about this above at the beginning of the Discussion section)

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Examples of Survey Page
Figure 1
Figure 1
Examples of Survey Page
Figure 2
Figure 2
Example of Communication Skills Training Page
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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