Testing the usability of a computerized interactive intervention for reducing racial disparities in prostate cancer screening discussions

Background: Current guidelines specify that practitioners should discuss prostate cancer screening, (PCS) with patients. Using a computerized patient-centered intervention to increase awareness of PCS could encourage more men to initiate a discussion with their physician regarding prostate cancer screening.

Objective/purpose: To test the usability of a computerized interactive intervention designed to activate patients to initiate a discussion with their physicians regarding prostate cancer screening.

Methods: Fifteen subjects, (eleven African Americans, four Caucasians) within four focus groups were asked to view the computerized program. Ten subjective, open-ended questions were then asked regarding the usability, effectiveness, and understanding of the program.

Results: Two-thirds (n=10) reported that they used computers on a regular basis. 93% (90% African Americans & 100% Caucasians) and 80% (90% African Americans & 50% Caucasians) found the program easy to use and easy to understand, respectively. Additionally, 73% (72% African Americans & 50% Caucasians) claimed that this program would definitely encourage them to initiate a conversation with their physician regarding screening options. Subjects suggested more interaction with the program, clarification on the pros and cons of the screening tests, and creation of a more realistic physician office environment.

Discussion/conclusions: Adjustments were made to the computerized intervention in response to the information gathered from these focus groups. The resulting feedback was used to refine the intervention which is currently being evaluated in a community based trial. Having viewed the program, subjects reported positive experiences and were enthusiastic about the program's potential benefit to other patients.