A study of interactivity in educational patient hypermedia.

This study explores the use of interactive graphics for patients about to undergo Ishiki Type I thyroplasty, a surgery for unilateral vocal cord palsy. Steps include exploration of previous studies, needs assessment, prototype creation, and formative evaluation. Research suggests that interactive graphics should include the opportunity for the patients to practice and engage in a relevant, realistic scenario. Needs assessment results suggest the need for further studies with interactive graphics using larger patient sample sizes.