Abstract

The design, development and formative evaluation of a multimedia-based pediatric patient education package is described. The CD-ROM informs children about the bone marrow transplant process (presents declarative information) and helps to reduce pediatric patient and family stress and anxiety (attitude change) through the delivery of interactive multimedia instruction for self-paced instruction. A script covering the subject-matter and written in a question and answer format was produced. A storyboard depicting the overall concept as well as the navigational features of the application was produced. The results of these evaluation efforts were implemented in the subsequent development of the application. Results of all the evaluation efforts are also presented. Overall, appeal to children, use of animation and appropriate presentation of information for children are the main strengths of the CD-ROM. Lack of interactivity and sophistication in animation are considered to be the main weaknesses. Evaluative comments and suggestions for the further design and development of the CD-ROM, as well as suggestions for further research, are discussed.