Development and evaluation of sentinel node biopsy: a continuing professional development course

The Interpretive Visualization (IVIS) Group at the Division of Biomedical Communications, Dept. of Surgery, University of Toronto has developed a visually-oriented, Internet-based Continuing Professional Development (CPD) course on Sentinel Node Biopsy. The site design methodology involved an extensive needs assessment, iterative formative evaluations of site and media design, a summative evaluation of the project, and a final evaluation for certification. Special emphasis was placed on asynchronous Web-based evaluation of the visual media-including still images, animations, and interactive figures-used in the course. Results reinforced the importance of: needs assessment; a user-centered design process; and rapid prototyping.