title: Formative evaluation of a multimedia program for patients about the side effects of cancer treatment.
abstract: Formative evaluation of multimedia programs can prevent costly and time-consuming revisions and result in more effective programs. Yet systematic formative evaluation is seldom conducted. This paper reviews the basic principles of formative evaluation and describes how we applied those principles to the formative evaluation of a multimedia program for patients about the side effects of cancer treatment. It discusses the challenges of developing multimedia programs for patients and provides guidance to other health professionals interested in developing programs on other topics.
authors.affiliation: Center for Psycho-Oncology Research, Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, 1 Medical Center Drive, Lebanon, NH 03756, USA. charlotte.furstenberg@darmouth.edu
authors.forename: C T
authors.initials: CT
authors.lastname: Furstenberg
authors.forename: J A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Carter
authors.forename: J V
authors.initials: JV
authors.lastname: Henderson
authors.forename: T A
authors.initials: TA
authors.lastname: Ahles
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D019212:Multimedia; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000628:therapy*; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards*; D015397:Program Evaluation; D016896:Treatment Outcome