Evaluating the effectiveness of a multimedia program on home safety.

PURPOSE: This study was designed to test the effectiveness and acceptance of multimedia home safety programming by community-dwelling seniors. DESIGN AND METHODS: A prototype CD-ROM was produced that required no reading or computer skills because the program included an audio narration of content and directions for operating the program on a touchscreen computer monitor. Volunteers (N = 126) from a senior center aged 55 and older were randomly assigned to (1) a multimedia group that used the interactive program to learn about home safety, (2) a traditional learning group that read well-established booklets on home safety, and (3) a control group that received no instruction on safety between the pre- and posttests.
RESULTS: Repeated-measures multivariate analysis of variance showed that the multimedia group was the only group to improve in knowledge. The group was also very satisfied with the approach. IMPLICATIONS: Multimedia formats can effectively and economically provide information to older clients.

RCT Entities:   Population Interventions Outcomes