Interactive multimedia information program for use by breast-care nurses -a patient acceptability study

Aims. To design an interactive multimedia program for use by breast-care nu rses and evaluate the acceptability of this technology to patients in the c linical setting. Methods. In order to ensure that the clarity of the information was maintai ned the multimedia program was developed by a multidisciplinary team, inclu ding non-medical personnel and patients. A prospective analysis of the subj ective impressions of patients with symptomatic breast disorders and breast -care nurses to a multimedia patient information system was then performed using a standard questionnaire and semi-structured interviews. Results. Fifty women were recruited for the study. Thirty-six (72%) conside red the multimedia counselling to be superior to the traditional modalites. Forty-nine (98%) graded the system as good or better. No patient regarded the technology as anxiety-provoking or inferior to the traditional leaflet- based approach. Women over 55 years old found the system as acceptable and easy to use as the younger women. Conclusions. The multimedia breast counselling programme was acceptable to patients and was considered superior to the traditional leaflet-based appro ach by the majority. The inherent advantages of this technology will lead t o its increasing utilization in the clinical setting.