Using multimedia for patient information--a program about nocturnal enuresis

To identify the information needs of children with nocturnal enuresis, and to design, produce and evaluate an interactive computer program to provide this information.

The program was developed over an 18-month period using information provided by children, parents and professionals, and was evaluated in a hospital-based enuresis clinic in 65 children. Usability and knowledge gained were also evaluated in 43 healthy children aged 8-10 years attending a local inner-city primary school.

An interactive program about nocturnal enuresis was developed, which runs on a personal computer and uses sound, voice, cartoon drawings and animation in a modular design. Knowledge scores increased in clinic attendees and in schoolchildren after using the program (Wilcoxon matched pairs test, P < 0.001). This improvement was maintained when the program was re-tested 6-10 months later.

This interactive computer program holds children's attention and increases their understanding of enuresis. Interactive multimedia may be useful to complement the information provided by health professionals. This method of communication may be particularly useful for children with a low level of literacy.