Strategies of Using Textual Information: Implications for Delivery of Health Information to Patients and Families

In the current study we investigated the explicit representation of constraints or “rules” in a team-based planning task using shared representations. We manipulated the variable of text, which has had limited attention in human factors literature. In addition, we used the subject variable of gender, also unique in human factors research. We also demonstrated successful use of a game-based experimental platform to investigate these variables using multiple process and performance measures. Findings highlight the need to develop principles concerning text for health information that do not currently exist. All findings involve considerations applicable to the design of health information, rich in content that has to be located, comprehended, and applied in a potentially time sensitive manner for individuals with differing backgrounds and levels of expertise.