Entertainment education for informed breast cancer treatment decisions in low-literate women: development and initial evaluation of a patient decision aid.
BACKGROUND
We report on the development and initial evaluation of a novel computerized decision support system (CDSS) that utilizes concepts from entertainment education (edutainment) to assist low-literate, multiethnic women in making initial surgical treatment decisions.


METHODS
We randomly assigned 51 patients diagnosed with early stage breast cancer to use the decision aid.


RESULTS
Patients who viewed the CDSS improved their knowledge of breast cancer treatment; found the application easy to use and understand, informative, and enjoyable; and were less worried about treatment.


CONCLUSIONS
The system clearly reached its intended objectives to create a usable decision aid for low-literate, novice computer users.
Jibaja-Weiss
Maria L
ML
Department of Family and Community Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77098, USA. mariaj@bcm.edu
Volk
Robert J
RJ
Granch
Thomas S
TS
Nefe
Nancy E
NE
Spann
Stephen J
SJ
Aoki
Noriaki
N
Robinson
Emily K
EK
Freidman
Lois C
LC
Beck
J Robert
JR
D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy*; D003657:Decision Making; D003658:Decision Making, Computer-Assisted; D003661:Decision Support Techniques; D004522:Educational Status; D005006:Ethnicity / Q000193:education; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000379:methods; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D016730:Program Development; D015397:Program Evaluation; D044469:Racial Groups / Q000193:education; D012107:Research Design; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013781:Texas; D014584:User-Computer Interface