Table 2 User requirements

 To understand the importance of effective information provision

1) Offer a short introduction which explains the importance of this topic and training and what the user will gain from it.

 To learn effective communication techniques to tailor information to patient characteristics, to structure information giving and how to deal with patients’ emotions as a result of information such as anger and sadness.

2) Offer specific chapters on each topic (tailoring, structuring and dealing with emotions), offering explanation, (video) examples and assignments of effective communication techniques. Tailoring has priority.

 To feel engaged while learning new skills during training.

3) Offer engaging and relevant content with different types of media: text, video, animations, illustrations and interactive assignments.

 To learn new communication skills in a constrained amount of time.

4) It should be as time effective as possible by including personalisation options,

5) avoiding large amounts of text, offering short animations clips, and

6) ending chapters with a summary and take-away message.

 Learning from evidence-based content.

7) Include learning content which is concise and built upon scientific literature and include easily accessible links to these sources.

 A learning experience tailored to degree of experience and individual learning needs.

8) Offer a pre-test to determine the user’s experience and learning goals.

9) Have the tool generate a personalized training advice.

 A learning experience tailored to preferred style of learning.

10) Offer the user different media options with the same learning content.

 Examples of desired communication skills

11) Offer video content, preferably recording of real consultations, demonstrating desired communication skills.

 Opportunity to practice communication skills.

12) It should allow for practising skills within the learning environment and

13) in daily practice.

 Peer feedback on communication skills.

14) It should offer functionality to record a consultation and allow for playback and

15) evaluation of performance by peers

 To evaluate progress on communication skills before and after the training.

16) Offer a pre- and post-test and

17) progress insights using a scoring system and/or graph.

 To be reminded of newly learned skills in daily practice during training period.

18) Offer notifications and tips aligned to individual learning goals.

 Earning accreditation points for training.

19) Emphasize that the training will include accreditation points and

20) offer a certificate of completion at the end of the training.

 To be able to consult an expert on communication skills.

21) Include a feature in which the user can contact an expert to ask for feedback and/or make an appointment.