title: Development and evaluation of an interactive CD-ROM for children with leukemia and their families.
abstract: To meet the need for an interactive software product to educate children with leukemia, ages 4-11 years, and their families about the disease and its treatment, we developed and evaluated an interactive, comprehensive, multimedia CD-ROM product, Kidz with Leukemia: A Space Adventure. The prototype was tested using a randomized controlled experimental design. Children with leukemia and their parents were randomized to receive either the newly developed CD-ROM or the book You and Leukemia by Lynn Baker. Health care providers (HCPs) and other content/technical experts evaluated only the CD-ROM. Data were collected on children's health locus of control, their understanding of leukemia, and the satisfaction of participants with their assigned intervention. Children in the CD-ROM group, compared with those in the book group, showed increased feelings of control over their health. Although there was a high level of satisfaction with the CD-ROM among all users, younger children and their parents were most satisfied. In conclusion, the CD-ROM, Kidz with Leukemia: A Space Adventure, was found to be a useful, engaging, and empowering tool for children with leukemia and can serve as a model for developing future health-related educational materials.
authors.affiliation: The Degge Group Ltd., 1616 North Fort Myer Drive, Suite 1430, Arlington, VA 22209, USA.
authors.forename: Mary Alice
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Dragone
authors.forename: Patricia J
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: Bush
authors.forename: Judith K
authors.initials: JK
authors.lastname: Jones
authors.forename: David J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Bearison
authors.forename: Sharmila
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Kamani
mesh_terms: D016251:CD-ROM; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003201:Computers; D005192:Family Health; D006801:Humans; D007938:Leukemia; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D010372:Pediatrics; D012984:Software