The IVIS Group (Interpretive Visualization Group) at the University of Toronto has developed two educational web sites, one for health-care professionals and the other for health-care consumers. Both sites include content developed under a research study entitled "Media-Based Health Communication: Exploring the power of visual media to promote understanding", funded by the Bell University Laboratories program at the University of Toronto.

The web sites to be showcased include a continuing professional development (CPD) course in Sentinel Node Biopsy for surgical oncologists, and a breast cancer awareness program for high-risk patients. 

Content media for the web sites was created with Macromedia Flash and Apple QuickTime. Flash was used for its programming capabilities, small file size and web accessibility. QuickTime movies were used to supplement the Flash animations and interactive media. On-line evaluations provided direction for the types of media chosen.

Participants have an opportunity to view education material created for 2 distinct audiences. These websites feature a variety of media elements that exploit the potential of visually enriched programs to engage users and promote understanding.

Linda Wilson-Pauwels, Nicholas Woolridge, Jodie Jenkinson, Meaghan Brierley
Division of Biomedical Communications
Rm 2356, Medical Sciences Building
1 King's College Circle
Toronto, ON M5S 1A8
Phone: 416 978-1714
Email: meaghan.brierley@utoronto.ca
Website: http://www.bmc.med.utoronto.ca/ivis/