1. Content
Prior to monitoring expectations and perceptions about the content of the e-tool, we looked into how women search for information when confronted with vaginal complaints and how they distinguish between different sources.13 Most of the respondents googled their symptoms. None of them mentioned to search in books or magazines. Respondents found it hard to value whether a source was reliable. Most respondents would easily use multiple sources to double check. Recommendations from different sources are not always unambiguous, which may lead to confusion.
R4 “But I don’t really mind to look into multiple sources.” “You will arrive at the website of gyno crème very quickly for example, but they just want you to buy their product. So, I will check that on another website as well.
Forums with patient experiences were noted as unreliable sources, however mentioned by some as useful to double check a certain treatment. Websites that were developed by medically trained professionals were specifically perceived as useful and reliable.
R2 “What option looks reliable in terms of information? Often those websites of physicians, pharmacists,….”
There is a lot of information about symptoms and treatments available on the internet, but identifying symptoms was difficult. One woman also indicated that this justifies the development of this e-tool. Friends’ experiences were also used as a source of information. Respondents who did not search for this information gave as main reason that they already knew their symptoms and how to act upon them.
As regards expectations towards the content, most respondents answered to expect an informative webpage. Vaginal candida infections, bacterial vaginosis, spotting between periods, vaginism and STDs were mentioned. Furthermore, information about causes, risk factors, incidence and prevention is important, also in relation to different life phases like puberty or menopause.
The respondents expected the aid to be reliable, clear, legible and user-friendly, to guide them through their symptoms and to inform them about causes and treatment options (including advantages and disadvantages, side effects and costs).