Prostrate cancer is a complicated problem. There is contradictory evidence whether pre-screening for the disease is helpful, so the patient’s decision comes down to knowledge and temperament. Tufts and Dana Farber worked on a questionnaire to assess a person’s inclination for pre-screening.

The problem with questions is getting people to answer them. The Decision Guide is an interactive survey specifically for an iPad, breaking the questionnaire into easy blocks of text and leading the user through one screen at a time. There were 83 questions that would be intimidating if presented at once. Instead, the user is encouraged to make simple investments of time. The questions are parceled out and organized per screen with summary graphics. Everything is big, blocky and flat for mobile use. The iPads were used in facilitator-led focus groups, in real time, and data from the survey was saved to a database to create useful demographic profiles.