Development of a hypermedia program designed to assist patients with localized prostate cancer in making treatment decisions.

The Prostate Centre, a hypermedia program integrating CD-ROM and Internet technology, was developed to help patients with localized prostate cancer access detailed and current information about available treatment options. Personal interviews with ten patients confirmed the need for more specific information examining the diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer, as well as the suitability of computers for conveying this information. Sample screen designs effectively determined patients' visual preferences and were a useful springboard for conversation about a number of other relevant topics. Pilot testing of the resulting prototype elicited a positive response about the program from this sample audience. Patients regarded the program as useful, relevant to their needs, and navigable. Although the small sample size limited the study's generalizability, the method of involving patients in the design process successfully guided the program's development toward a greater fit with the users' needs.