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.