| Literature DB >> 34251862 |
Enmanuel A Chavarria, Shannon M Christy, Vani N Simmons, Susan T Vadaparampil, Clement K Gwede, Cathy D Meade.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Learner verification and revision (LV&R) is a research methodological approach to inform educational message design with the aim of producing suitable, actionable, and literacy appropriate messages to aid in awareness, adoption of healthy behaviors, and decision-making. It consists of a series of participatory steps that engage users throughout materials development, revision, and refinement. This approach is congruent with Healthy People 2030 communication objectives to improve access to information among diverse, multicultural, multilingual populations, and enhance health care quality toward health equity. Brief description of activity: To illustrate LV&R, we describe its use in three cancer education projects that produced targeted information about (1) inherited breast cancer among African Americans (brochure); (2) colorectal cancer screening among Latinos (photo novella and DVD); and (3) smoking-relapse prevention among patients receiving cancer treatment (video). We discuss rationale for its application in the three exemplars and extrapolate lessons learned from our experiences when using this approach. IMPLEMENTATION: A qualitative approach entailing individual or group-based discussions helped to examine the elements of learner verification (i.e., attraction, comprehension, self-efficacy, cultural acceptability, persuasion). The following steps are reported: (1) preparation of materials, interview guide, and recruitment; (2) interviewing of participants; and (3) evaluation of responses. Data were analyzed by use of a coding system that placed participant responses from each of the elements into data summary matrices. Findings informed revisions and refinement of materials.Entities:
Mesh:
Year: 2021 PMID: 34251862 PMCID: PMC8075101 DOI: 10.3928/24748307-20210201-02
Source DB: PubMed Journal: Health Lit Res Pract ISSN: 2474-8307
Key Elements of Learner Verification and Revision
| Attraction | Assesses appeal of the materials | Looking at the cover, “Would you want to pick up this booklet and read it?” “What attracts or doesn't attract you?” | Certain colors/shades or designs might draw more attention from audience members (participants). Also, photos of the intended audience rather than stock photos might add appeal and salience. Find out what type of pictures might be most engaging to the audience |
| Comprehension | Gauges understanding of materials | Tell me in your own words, “What is this booklet/video all about?” | A particular diagram might be too difficult for a patient to understand and draw conclusions. Ask the interviewee what is confusing about the diagram. Have the interviewee suggest ways in which to clarify the materials. Obtain suggested words that make it clear |
| Self-efficacy | Evaluates confidence in ability to carry out the action presented in the health material | “How confident are you that you could perform what the picture suggests?” | A brochure, booklet, or video segment might call on the reader/viewer to take a certain action. Ask the interviewee if the materials provide enough information and clarity to allow them to perform the action. If not, ask the interviewee what needs clarification or repetition |
| Cultural-linguistic acceptability | Assess whether the informa tion is culturally appealing and agreeable to the intended audi ence. Assesses use of linguistic terms for relevancy | “Is there anything in the material that makes you uncomfortable?” “Are there any pictures that are not acceptable for you or your family?” “Is the term translated in an appropriate manner?” | Certain words, particular characters in a story, or even the setting of a story, could be offensive or bothersome to your audience. The best way to avoid this is to directly ask, “Does anything about this booklet bother you or offend you?” |
| Persuasion | Assesses whether the health information is compelling | “Do you think you might be able to do what the materials ask you to do?” (e.g., quit using tobacco) | The goal of health messages is to facilitate health decisions and/or action toward healthy behaviors. “Do audience members (participants) find the message convincing and might they act.” “What areas should be reworded to make the information more helpful?” |
Lessons Learned and Suggestions Per Steps in Learner Verification and Revision
| 1: Preparing for LV&R | Effective learner verification interview guides require ample time to refine the order, sequence, and flow of questions | View iterations as an opportunity to continually improve the sharpness and clarity of the message |
| 2: Interviewing | Critical to establishing rapport is creating a comfortable, welcoming environment (shared understanding vs. a test situation) in which participants do not feel pressured to provide socially desirable responses | Implement training and practice sessions to increase interviewer confidence and skills for prompting informed responses from interviewees |
| 3: Evaluating and revise | Participants may have difficulty imagining an end product | Try to carry out LV&R interviews with solid draft versions of materials to allow for informed responses and feedback |
Note: LV&R = learner verification and revision.