Producing computer-generated tailored written information for stroke patients and their carers: system development and preliminary evaluation.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this project was to design and evaluate a system that would produce tailored information for stroke patients and their carers, customised according to their informational needs, and facilitate communication between the patient and health professional.


METHODS
A human factors development approach was used to develop a computer system, which dynamically compiles stroke education booklets for patients and carers. Patients and carers are able to select the topics about which they wish to receive information, the amount of information they want, and the font size of the printed booklet. The system is designed so that the health professional interacts with it, thereby providing opportunities for communication between the health professional and patient/carer at a number of points in time.


RESULTS
Preliminary evaluation of the system by health professionals, patients and carers was positive. A randomised controlled trial that examines the effect of the system on patient and carer outcomes is underway.
Hoffmann
Tammy
T
Division of Occupational Therapy, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane 4072, Australia. t.hoffmann@uq.edu.au
Russell
Trevor
T
McKenna
Kryss
K
D001315:Australia; D003201:Computers; D006282:Health Personnel; D006801:Humans; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000379:methods*; D020521:Stroke / Q000451:nursing / Q000503:physiopathology*; D014584:User-Computer Interface