Understanding and designing computing technologies that convey concerning health news

Eun Kyoung Choe, Marisa E. Duarte, Julie A. Kientz

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

2 Scopus citations

Abstract

As people receiving health information through computing technology increases, there is a potential loss of the human element that occurs during face-to-face doctor-patient dialogue. Technologies that convey health information have the potential to cause unnecessary anxiety and worry or cause avoidance of a serious problem. The purpose of this study is to make recommendations on how to reduce the discomfort of patients by re-examining the design of health information technologies and focusing on the ways information is presented to the users. We report on a literature survey of health information technologies and results from interviews with patients, clinicians, and patients' family members on how they communicate and accept concerning health news. We identify strategies clinicians use when giving a diagnosis, including building a partnership of trust with patients, being honest and giving hope, presenting information simply, acknowledging physical and emotional discomfort, and communicating through non-verbal means. Based on the findings, we discuss design considerations for technologies that convey concerning health news to help people assimilate the information better and make informed decisions.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationProceedings of the 7th International Conference on Design and Emotion
StatePublished - Dec 1 2010
Externally publishedYes
Event7th International Conference on Design and Emotion 2010 - Chicago, IL, United States
Duration: Oct 4 2010Oct 7 2010

Publication series

NameProceedings of the 7th International Conference on Design and Emotion

Other

Other7th International Conference on Design and Emotion 2010
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityChicago, IL
Period10/4/1010/7/10

Keywords

  • Communication
  • Doctor-patient interaction
  • Empathy
  • Health
  • Health informatics

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Software

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