Development and evaluation of an interactive CD-ROM for children with leukemia and their families.
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.
Dragone
Mary Alice
MA
The Degge Group Ltd., 1616 North Fort Myer Drive, Suite 1430, Arlington, VA 22209, USA.
Bush
Patricia J
PJ
Jones
Judith K
JK
Bearison
David J
DJ
Kamani
Sharmila
S
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