Animation or leaflet: Does it make a difference when educating young people about genome sequencing?

Objective: To compare the effectiveness of an animation against two leaflets with and without images, in educating young people about genome sequencing (GS).

Methods: An experimental survey with three assessment points (pre- intervention [T1], post - intervention [T2], 6-week follow-up [T3]). Participants (N = 606) were randomly assigned to receive one of three educational interventions; animation (n = 212); leaflet with images (n = 197); or leaflet with text only (n = 197). Measures of objective and subjective knowledge were completed at T1 (N = 606), T2 (N = 606) and T3 (N = 459). Measures of attitudes, intentions and beliefs towards GS and satisfaction with intervention were completed at T2 only.

Results: The type of educational intervention young people received had no significant impact on their objective or subjective knowledge at both T2 and T3 (all p > .05), nor did the educational intervention type affect their attitudes, intentions and beliefs towards GS at T2 (p > .05). However, participant satisfaction was significantly higher in the animation group than the leaflet groups (p < .001).

Conclusion: Animations and leaflets are both effective ways to deliver genomic education to young people, but the animations lead to higher satisfaction.

Practice implications: Different individuals may find different modes of educational resources more accessible than others. Therefore a range of resources should ideally be made available to patients.