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. 2007 Oct 11:2007:16-20.

A combined qualitative method for testing an interactive risk communication tool

Jessica S Ancker  1 , Rita Kukafka
Affiliations

A combined qualitative method for testing an interactive risk communication tool

Jessica S Ancker et al. AMIA Annu Symp Proc. .

Abstract

Descriptions of health risks in words, numbers, and graphics can all cause comprehension problems. Our novel risk communication tool involves a game-like interaction to allow users to experience the probability of a health event. The underlying principles are grounded in cognitive theory, but laboratory demonstrations do not guarantee usefulness in the real world. To help us create software on the basis of the theory, we have developed a qualitative method incorporating elements of focus groups and scenario-based usability testing in a community-based participatory research setting in Harlem, NY. In this procedure, a facilitator mediates discussion between software developers and community participants. Using this method, we have elicited guidance from focus groups and found that the interactive game appears to carry an emotional impact that static graphics do not. Additional testing is expected to help develop a useful risk communication tool and lead to richer understanding of lay models of health risk.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
In this version of the prototyope, users can interact with the graphic to see if a stick figure will “get the disease” in the future, as in the image at top right, or not, as at bottom right. A Javascript random number generator ensures that each icon has the specified risk of getting the disease (in this case, 24%). The purpose is to demonstrate the size of the risk over several repetitions. The software showed 1000 figures; for clarity, we show fewer than 200 here.
Figure 2A
Figure 2A
Randomly arranged stick figure illustration.
Figure 2B
Figure 2B
Grouped stick figure illustration. The actual picture had 1000 figures; for clarity, this one has <200.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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