The effectiveness of a self-care management interactive multimedia module.
OBJECTIVE
To develop and test an interactive multimedia module prototype designed to accommodate adults with limited literacy and without computer skills.


METHODS
Experimental, randomized, controlled, pretest, post-test.


METHODS
Cancer treatment centers in California, Louisiana (pilot). New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, and Texas.


METHODS
Outpatients who were at least 18 years old with a minimum fifth-grade reading level; 86 experimental treatment, 88 control.


METHODS
Experimental treatment involved use of the interactive multimedia module; the control group received customary Instruction.


RESULTS
As compared to the control group, subjects in the experimental group had significant improvement (p = 0.0001; 257% gain) in self-care ability regardless of age, sex race, education, geographic location, reading ability, computer experience, or preferred learning style; a 6.515% increase in fatigue content covered and 16.775% Increase in instructional duration; and significantly greater benefit from sleep-related activities and a consistent, positive pattern of self-care behavior.


CONCLUSIONS
The program is instructionally effective, appropriate for a wide and geographically diverse audience, and feasible for use in the ambulatory setting.


CONCLUSIONS
The interactive multimedia module is an effective, self-directed resource for individualized patient fatigue education.
Wydra
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MasterPoint Video Productions, Inc, Baton Rouge, LA, USA. wydra628@bellsouth.net
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003194:Computer-Assisted Instruction; D004522:Educational Status; D005221:Fatigue; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000451:nursing* / Q000523:psychology*; D009859:Oncology Nursing; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D012648:Self Care