The Construction and the Evaluation of Web Sites on Epilepsy Information

Choi, Eun Sil; Lee, Yeong Bae; Park, Hyeon Mi; Shin, Dong Jin; Choi, Seong Woo; Youn, Sung Tae

Abstract

We aimed to construct web sites providing information on epilepsy and to evaluate its practical use. To estimate the demand for such information, a questionnaire was administrated to 106 patients, their 54 families, and 78 nurses, who consented to be interviewed. After using the data collected from the survey to build a epilepsy information web site, data on the level of satisfaction for the website were collected by e-mails and direct surveys from subjects who used this web site; the collected data were analyzed. The results of this study were as follows: The educational level demanded by nurses was slightly higher than those of patients and their families. Patients, their families, and nurses wanted more information on how to handle patients during seizures, especially, and. families wanted to know about drug therapy. The content of the web site was configured based on the educational level of perceived users. Photoshop 6.0, Flash MX and FrontPage 2000 were used to build the web site. Images available on the internet that are shared served as the source of images. The program's URL is www.multimoon.com/black. Regarding user satisfaction with the web site, users found that the Information on the Prognosis of Epilepsy, the Pharmacological Treatment of Epilepsy, Occupation and Marriage Status in Daily Life, and the How to Manage Epileptic Attacks sections were quite helpful. Generally, the reactions to the website were positive. To construct an effective web site to provide information about epilepsy to patients, their families and nurses, educational data and information that meet the demands of users should be added. Its contents should be continuously updated, and its environment should be kept user-friendly so that the information can be accessed with ease.