Multimedia computer-assisted instruction for carers on exercise for older people: development and testing.

Aim: This paper is a report of a study conducted to develop a multimedia computer-assisted instruction for informal carers and test its content validity, user difficulty and user satisfaction.

Background: Healthy ageing is an increasingly important public health target globally. Changes in technology offer the opportunity for e-health promotion as a means of educating populations and healthcare staff to meet public health targets.

Methods: Computer-assisted instruction was developed and tested systematically in four phases during 2008, and these are outlined. Phase 1 consisted of topic and content identification using a literature review. Phase 2 comprised refinement of the content using an academic panel of experts. Phase 3 was the production of computer-assisted instruction comprising problem clarification, algorithm designing with reference to a cognitive theory of multimedia learning and program coding. Phase 4 consisted of testing for content validity, and writing a computer-assisted instruction manual and testing it for user difficulty and satisfaction.

Results: The data from each phase informed the development and refinement of the computer-assisted instruction. Content validity was confirmed and 'test' users reported few difficulties in its use and high satisfaction.

Conclusion: This e-health promotion initiative is an example of how computer-assisted instruction may be developed to teach carers of older people.