Acceptability of a Bilingual Interactive Computerized Educational Module in a Poor, Medically Underserved Patient Population

Abstract

We evaluated the acceptability and impact of an audiovisual, bilingual, interactive computer module relating to appropriate antibiotic use. In winter 2001, adults seeking urgent care for acute respiratory infections at an inner-city urgent care clinic were invited to complete the computer module and survey (N = 296). After responding to questions about their symptoms, patients were provided information about their illness and appropriate antibiotic use, and then asked several questions about the acceptability of the module. The main outcomes, reflecting qualities known to enhance diffusion of innovations, were “learning something new about colds and flu” and trusting the computer information. Spanish-language respondents (16%) were much less likely to report prior computer experience, more likely to need help, and strongly preferred answering to a person compared with English-language respondents. In multivariable analysis, Spanish-language respondents were more likely to report learning something new (OR = 5.0; 95% CI: 2.0, 12.4) and trusting the information (OR = 2.5; 95% CI: 1.0, 6.0). We conclude that an interactive computer module was well received among a medically underserved urgent care clinic population. Benefits appear greatest among populations having the least experience with this medium.

Acknowledgments

The authors acknowledge the administrative and conceptual contributions of Kenneth Gershman, MD, MPH, of the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment; the gracious participation of the clinic staff at the Denver Health Adult Walk-In Clinic; and the leadership of Dr. Robert Harris who directed the appropriate antibiotic use intervention.

This work was supported by the Centers for Disease Control via Epidemiology and Laboratory Capacity for Infectious Diseases Cooperative Agreement Program 95043/97020.

Notes

*p < 0.001.