Biomedical subjects
Publications and source records attributed to Valerie Monaco.
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We report on the use of Contextual Design (CD) to develop models of the information management, resource integration, and collaborative processes of medical students in problem-based learning groups. CD is a modified ethnographic technique designed to provide a detailed understanding of the user's needs. Although the technique has been used in non-healthcare related fields, there is limited published data on the application of CD within healthcare settings. In this pilot study, we evaluated the feasibility of the CD methodology for this domain, developed an initial set of CD models, and formulated a series of design ideas based on the data. The study helps to clarify the effectiveness and feasibility of CD as well as the limitations for using this method in health-related domains.
The objective of this study was to examine the information provided on comprehensive cancer centers' Web sites regarding clinical trials. Thirty-nine Web sites were visually inspected for four categories of variables: navigation to the clinical trial information, search functionality provided to the visitor, information content provided about trials, and the reading level of the information provided. Results indicated that for those Web sites that provided information about clinical trials, the content was often limited and trial descriptions were written at a college reading level. This study suggests that these Web sites are not yet adequately designed to serve as a successful aid for increased trial accrual. The design of future online clinical trial information should be guided by data from consumer health informatics research.