Evaluating the performance of multimedia presentations in communicating radiological findings

Multimedia presentations are expected to show a higher performance in communicating complex and relational information than single media presentations. In this case study, we evaluate the performance of multimedia presentations of radiological findings in communicating propositional facts about a patient´s health status. In collaboration with experts and future users, three radiological communication tools have been developed which differ with respect to the presentation media and interactivity. These tools have been evaluated in a controlled user study concerning their efficiency in communicating propositional facts, as well as concerning their usability in the clinical praxis. The results show a slightly higher efficiency of the audiovisual compared to textual or visual-only presentation, and a preference of users for the interactive audio-visual or visual tool.