Paper Title
Patient and Staff Perspectives on the Use of a Computer Counseling Tool for HIV and Sexually Transmitted Infection Risk Reduction
Keywords
- hiv
- sexually transmitted disease
- sexually transmitted infection
- behavior
- risk reduction
- computer
- qualitative research
- digital health
- health communication
- interactive tools
- patient perspectives
- staff perspectives
- health technology
- behavioral change
- counseling
- health education
- self-evaluation
- confidentiality
- data collection
- standardized education
- sexual health
- patient engagement
- youth health
- health interventions
- digital counseling
- public health
- mobile health
- technology-based interventions
- health behavior
- patient honesty
- healthcare innovation
- privacy concerns
- healthcare access
- risk assessment
- personalized health tools
- user experience
- health informatics
- health promotion
Article Type
Research Article
Journal
Research Impact Tools
Publication Info
Volume: 40 | Issue: 6 | Pages: 572.e9-572.e16
Published On
June, 2007
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Abstract
Purpose To explore use of an interactive health communication tool- “Computer Assessment and Risk Reduction Education (CARE) for STIs/HIV.” Methods This was a mixed method study utilizing participant observation and in-depth interviews with patients (n = 43), and focus groups with staff (5 focus groups, n = 41) from 5 clinics in 3 states (1 Planned Parenthood, 1 Teen, 2 STD, and 1 mobile van clinic). Data were managed using Atlas.ti. Inter-rater reliability of qualitative coding was .90. Results Users were 58% nonwhite with mean age 24.7 years (74% < 25). Patients could use CARE with minimal to no assistance. Time for session completion averaged 29.6 minutes. CARE usefulness was rated an average of 8.2 on an ascending utility scale of 0 to 10. Patient themes raised as strengths were novelty, simplicity, confidentiality, personalization, and plan development, increased willingness to be honest, lack of judgment, and a unique opportunity for self-evaluation. Staff themes raised as strengths were enhanced data collection, handout customization, education standardization, behavioral priming, and expansion of services. Patient limitation themes included limited responses and lack of personal touch. Staff limitation themes were selecting users, cost, patient-provider role, privacy, and time for use. Conclusions CARE was well-received and easily usable by most (especially 18–25-year-olds). Patient and staff perceptions support the use of CARE as an adjunct to usual practice and as a method to expand services. Honesty, reduced time constraints, and lack of judgment associated with CARE appeared to enhance self-evaluation, which may prove an important component in moving patients forward in the behavior change process.
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