IHC Application Checklist
It is important to remember that not all
information is created equal. This checklist of questions was created by the SciPICH to
help you judge whether health information offered by an interactive health communication (IHC) application is useful and
reliable.
Print this page and use as a quick guide
when evaluating an IHC application.
Name of Application:
URL:
Background of Developers/Sponsors
- Is the identity of the developers and sponsors clearly
stated?
- Do the developers have expertise (or use experts) in the
content area?
- Is there a mechanism to contact the developers?
- Does the application disclose any potential conflicts of
interest or biases of the developers and sponsors?
Purpose
- Does the application state its specific purpose?
- Does the application state the intended audience(s) and
specific health issue(s) it addresses?
- Do the applications purpose and objectives match the
likely needs of its intended users?
Content
- Is the original source(s) of the content identified?
- Is the original source(s) of the content likely to be
reliable and without bias?
- Is the content sufficiently current to ensure that it is
accurate and up-to-date?
- Is the applications method of ensuring the validity of
its content reasonable?
Confidentiality
- If relevant, does the application specify whether and how
users' personal information and anonymity are protected?
- If relevant, does the application specify who has access to
information about its users?
DesignIs the application easy to use?
Are the reading/comprehension level, graphics,
audio, and other multimedia features appropriate for the intended user?
- Does it require special and/or high level technology?
Evaluation Results and
EffectivenessDo the developers provide any evaluation results
about the effectiveness or impact of the application in the following areas?
If yes, please identify:
__ usability of application
__ user satisfaction
__ changes in user knowledge or attitudes
__ changes in health behaviors
__ changes in health status (morbidity or mortality)
__ changes in costs or use of resources
If evaluation results are
available:
- Did the application specify the funding source for the
evaluation and potential conflicts of interest of the evaluators?
- Was the evaluation conducted with people similar to the
intended target group of the application?
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