The development of a web- and a print-based decision aid for prostate cancer screening

Background Whether early detection and treatment of prostate cancer (PCa) will reduce disease-related mortality remains uncertain. As a result, tools are needed to facilitate informed decision making. While there have been several decision aids (DAs) developed and tested, very few have included an exercise to help men clarify their values and preferences about PCa screening. Further, only one DA has utilized an interactive web-based format, which allows for an expansion and customization of the material. We describe the development of two DAs, a booklet and an interactive website, each with a values clarification component and designed for use in diverse settings. Methods We conducted two feasibility studies to assess men\u27s (45-70 years) Internet access and their willingness to use a web- vs. a print-based tool. The booklet was adapted from two previous versions evaluated in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and the website was created to closely match the content of the revised booklet. Usability testing was conducted to obtain feedback regarding draft versions of the materials. The tools were also reviewed by a plain language expert and the interdisciplinary research team. Feedback on the content and presentation led to iterative modifications of the tools. Results The feasibility studies confirmed that the Internet was a viable medium, as the majority of men used a computer, had access to the Internet, and Internet use increased over time. Feedback from the usability testing on the length, presentation, and content of the materials was incorporated into the final versions of the booklet and website. Both the feasibility studies and the usability testing highlighted the need to address men\u27s informed decision making regarding screening. Conclusions Informed decision making for PCa screening is crucial at present and may be important for some time, particularly if a definitive recommendation either for or against screening does not emerge from ongoing prostate cancer screening trials. We have detailed our efforts at developing print- and web-based DAs to assist men in determining how to best meet their PCa screening preferences. Following completion of our ongoing RCT designed to test these materials, our goal will be to develop a dissemination project for the more effective tool

Beyond the brochure: alternative approaches to effective health communication : a guidebook

The AMC Cancer Research Center, with collaboration and support of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Division of Cancer Prevention and Control, has developed Beyond the Brochure to assist health educators and health communicators in conceiving and producing educational materials and activities that do not rely solely on the printed word. The intent is to present innovative intervention ideas and strategies that can be used to reach audiences who are not benefitting from current health communication efforts. The guidebook addresses issues that commonly arise when public health programs seek to reach low-literate and oral-culture populations. Two central questions, whether and how to adapt existing materials or create new ones, are discussed in detail in sections 3 and 4. Two other vital matters that precede these central decisions -- getting to know the audience, and involving audience members in every facet of program planning -- are discussed in sections 1 and 2, respectively. The final section provides some guidance for pretesting newly adapted or created materials.This research was conducted by the AMC Cancer Research Center under Cooperative Agreement No. U50/CCU806186-04 with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.U50/CCU806186-04Acknowledgements -- About this guidebook -- 1. Getting to know the audience, and vice versa -- 2. Involving the audience -- 3. Adapting existing materials -- 4. Developing original materials -- 5. Pretesting materials -- Summary -- References -- Nonprint health education resources -- Interviewees -- Additional resources -- Comment for