DISCUSSION
The objective of this study was to develop and evaluate an electronic
decision aid (e-tool) for women with vaginal complaints. The assistance
of such a tool is supposed to make vaginal health care more effective
and efficient. Besides providing information, the e-tool makes it
possible for women to self- structure their symptoms and prepare them
for the consultation with their GP (if necessary) or self-diagnose and
self-treat (if appropriate).
We were able to evaluate the quality of the e-tool for vaginal
complaints with the IPDAS framework13 combined with De
Ruyter 19 after Hooiveld et al.17 by
capturing the (dis)satisfaction by subsequently comparing the
expectations and the perceptions of the women of content, development
process, and effectiveness of the e-tool. (see also Fig. 1)
Although in general the women were satisfied with the e-tool, we also
got various tips for improvement. The research findings of this study
may as such lead to the further refinement of this electronic decision
aid for vaginal complaints.
As regards the content , respondents mentioned to besatisfied and did not miss vital information about the diagnosis
and treatment options, although in some instances more detail and visual
support could be provided. The decision aid was a road map that led to
an advice. More attention regarding prevention/ possible recurrence of
complaints, psychological aspects and life phase specifics is needed.
As regards the expectations of the respondents for the
development process were met to a certain extent. They were satisfied
about the presentation of the information in a balanced way, the use of
up to date scientific evidence, and the disclosure of conflicts of
interest of the parties involved. As regards the involvement of certain
experts, and the use of plain language, there was some dissatisfaction.
Respondents mentioned the need of the involvement of a gynecologist and
language improvements for the whole public.
As regards the effectiveness of the e-tool the respondents were
satisfied. As expected by the respondents, in most instances the tool
was not regarded to be a replacement for a GP-consultation. However, the
respondents did find the tool to be helpful in order to help
differentiate which action to take as they expected from the tool and
prepare for consultation with their GP. As such it also helped them to
increase their involvement. All respondents claimed to recommend using
the tool to their friends who experienced vaginal complaints.