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).