405P
WEB-BASED INTEGRATED VIDEO EDUCATIONAL WORKSHOP: FEEDBACK FROM HIV/AIDS COMMUNITY MEMBERS
L O'Grady
University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario
Members of the HIV/AIDS community are prolific users of web-based tools to support learning and decision-making about treatment issues. Initial research indicates various web components (such as message forums or web-based documentation) are used effectively by this community. The use of video in patient education has long been touted as an excellent means to disseminate consumer-oriented health content. However, no research has yet been published investigating web environments that combine content, message forums, and video within an educational workshop format. The purpose of this study was to investigate how such an environment influenced learning amongst HIV/AIDS community members.
Study participants were recruited through local AIDS Service Organizations in Toronto, Ontario. A screening survey was used to match participants on various demographics including gender, age, income, access to Internet, and ability to view video online. Participants were provided access to a web-based streaming video presentation with slide show, a message forum to discuss the presentation, and support documents via an accompanying web site.
Analysis of posted messages revealed little use of the forum to discuss the online workshop as messages were mainly about the software interface. In-person group interview participants revealed similar comments, primarily focused on issues related to using the software. Preferences for information to be presented in various formats (video, print, mixed) were also shared. A reliance on using other sources of information outside the web to meet HIV/AIDS treatment needs was revealed by many.
All participants had distinct ways of meeting their information needs in relation to HIV/AIDS, including both off and online sources of information. Results indicated the web is only part of the way in which HIV/AIDS information needs are being met. Further research focusing on how information needs are being met and what role the web plays in this goal should be conducted.