Filling the gaps of patient information and comprehension

The information and communication needs of patients with advanced incurable cancer: A rapid review

OBJECTIVES

This review aimed to collate evidence on the key information and communication needs of patients with advanced incurable cancer and their caregivers. It also sought to identify barriers and facilitators to communicating, understanding and receiving information, with the view of influencing improvements to future practice.

METHODS

This study used a rapid review methodology. Databases were searched on the Ovid platform to identify relevant qualitative data. Methodological quality was assessed, and data extraction was completed. A thematic synthesis approach was used for data analysis.

RESULTS

Findings from 42 articles highlighted that key information should be communicated in accordance with individual needs, including tailoring when and how information is provided. It also highlighted the need for healthcare professionals to provide adequate time, openness, and sensitivity to facilitate understanding of prognosis, treatment and care options. Barriers to receiving, communicating and understanding information relating to healthcare professionals and healthcare systems focus on inadequate time in consultations and a lack of specified point of contact. Patient level barriers included difficulties engaging with and processing challenging information, and inadequate health and death literacy. Facilitators included incremental information provision and early access to palliative care specialists.

CONCLUSIONS

Key communication and information needs identified in the review's synthesised findings should be considered when developing communication strategies alongside the barriers and facilitators.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

HCPs should provide patients and caregivers with bespoke support to improve their health and death literacy, and a direct point of contact. Health service training could focus on personalised and empathetic information delivery.

Information Service "My Cancer Navigator" to Support Shared Decision-Making: An Online Survey Among Patients with Cancer and Their Caregivers

The personalized information service My Cancer Navigator (MCN) answers therapy-related questions of patients with cancer and their caregivers, to address information needs and contribute to shared decision-making (SDM). An explorative and descriptive cross-sectional study using online surveys was conducted to assess whether users perceived a change in factors contributing to SDM after using the service. Of 253 invited MCN users, 109 (43.1%) filled out the survey (64.2% patients and 35.8% caregivers). Most participants experienced a positive change in their emotional well-being (72.5%) and knowledge level (86.3%). The majority (68.5%) of patients reported being able to cope better with their disease while 76.4% of caregivers felt more able to support the patient throughout the disease process. Discussing treatment preferences and making decisions with health-care professionals (HCPs) became easier for 48.5% and 44.0% of patients, respectively. Of all participants, 52.0% reported a change in disease management. These findings suggest that most participants perceived MCN as impactful. The service facilitated the implementation of SDM from the patient perspective by improving communication with HCPs, increasing knowledge level, improving emotional well-being, and helping them cope better with the disease. Further research should explore how this type of service can be integrated in the care pathway.

Mobile Applications in Breast Cancer Postoperative Care: A Scoping Review

BACKGROUND

The utilization of mobile application in postoperative care for breast cancer patients has seen a significant rise in recent years. This study aimed to synthesize the literature to identify the features of breast cancer postoperative care mobile applications.

METHODS

This scoping review was conducted using the framework developed by Arksey and O'Malley. All articles published from inception until July 25, 2024, were searched in the PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, IEEE, and Cochrane databases. The quality of publications was evaluated using the mixed-methods appraisal tool (MMAT).

RESULTS

A total of 999 publications were found, of which 28 studies were considered in this review. Out of these studies, 14 used native apps, 14 used hybrid apps. Nine features were used in applications, and Tracker, Tailored Education, and Community Forum were the most repetitive features. In five studies, various devices and sensors, like Bluetooth and GPS, were utilized in mobile applications to monitor physical activity, stress levels, heart rate, sleep patterns, and calorie intake.

CONCLUSIONS

Mobile applications for postoperative breast cancer care encompass a range of features. In a co-design approach, understanding patients' required features could help to develop usable applications to improve the postoperative care for breast cancer patients.

Evaluation of the understandability, actionability and reliability of YouTube videos for brain, head, and neck cancer information

PURPOSE

Online videos accessed via YouTube are a popular method to provide health education. Videos need to be critically evaluated for educational qualities as the information could influence health outcomes. The present study aimed to evaluate the understandability, actionability and reliability of videos available on YouTube regarding brain, head, and neck cancer information.

METHODS

A scoping review was conducted with a specific search strategy and inclusion/exclusion criteria based on previous studies. For each video, video characteristics and user engagement activities were recorded. Videos were evaluated using the PEMAT-A/V and modified DISCERN criteria. Spearman's rank correlation, Kruskal-Wallis test and Mann-Whitney U test were used for analysis.

RESULTS

Out of 200 retrieved videos, 37 were included and analysed. The median length of the video was 3 min and 33 s. The majority of videos were published by health institutional and private channels (43.2%, n = 16). Health institutional channels received the highest actionability (Md = 37.5, p = 0.049), while private channels resulted in lower views/day (Md = 0.46, p = 0.001) and likes/day (Md = 0.01, p = 0.002). Animated and narrated videos acquired the highest understandability score (Md = 92.31, p < 0.001). Videos with professional transcripts reported higher actionability (Md = 62.5, p = 0.004), reliability (Md = 3.33, p = 0.028), views/day (Md = 29.31, p = 0.026), and likes/day (Md = 0.272, p = 0.023).

CONCLUSION

YouTube videos pertaining to brain and head and neck cancer have low understandability, low actionability and moderate reliability. It is beneficial to have a stronger representation of trustworthy and credible organisations for sharing essential health information via YouTube. Including animations and professional video transcripts may improve their overall quality and consumer engagement.

Patient evaluation of gynaecological information provision and preferences

AIM

To evaluate gynaecological patients' preferences and satisfaction regarding information provision, exploring enablers and barriers to information access.

DESIGN

A descriptive cross-sectional survey design was used.

METHODS

A total of 293 women accessing gynaecological services responded to the survey. Quantitative analysis included descriptive and inferential statistics. Content analysis was conducted on qualitative data.

RESULTS

Health professionals were the most common and preferred sources of gynaecological health information. Enablers to information provision included positive communication strategies by health professionals, participants having prior knowledge and doing their own research. Despite its widespread availability, only 24.2% of women preferred the internet as an information source. Poor communication and inadequate information provision were identified as barriers to information access. Statistically significant associations were identified between location of residence, education level, year of birth, diagnostic group and health information preferences. Recommendations from women included improved communication strategies, system changes and provision of individualized information.

CONCLUSION

Health professionals are central to women accessing information about gynaecological diagnoses. Areas for improvement include communication strategies, facilitating access to internet-based resources for information and consideration of women's preferences when providing health information.

IMPLICATIONS FOR THE PROFESSION AND PATIENT CARE

Consumer co-design of gynaecological health information and communication training for health professionals is recommended. Improved communication and facilitated use of internet-based resources may improve women's understanding of information.

IMPACT

This study explored gynaecological patients' preferences and satisfaction regarding information provision, exploring enablers and barriers to information access. It was found that gynaecological patients preferred individualized information provided to them directly by health professionals and despite its widespread availability, the internet is an underutilized health information resource. These findings are applicable to health professionals and patients utilizing tertiary gynaecological health services in Australia but may be generalized if demographic data aligns with other jurisdictions.

REPORTING METHOD

The STROBE reporting method was used in the preparation of the manuscript.

PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION

No patient or public contribution.

Entering aesthetic concept into the field of patient education: A protocol for an interdisciplinary study to develop a conceptual model

BACKGROUND

According to the significance of patient education, new conceptual models are constantly required to promote pedagogical competences of health educators. In the field of educational sciences, aesthetic-based education is known as one of the effective types of curriculum planning which has shown many positive pedagogical outcomes. Thus, the researcher's assumption is that, the concept of "aesthetic education" could be transposed from educational sciences to health sciences in order to develop a new formula in the patient education process. The purpose of this study is to explain methods in detail, to develop an aesthetic-based patient education conceptual model through the concept derivation strategy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

1. Scoping review and inductive data analysis using Walker and Avant's approach to achieve conceptual categories of the concept "aesthetic education." 2. Semi-structured qualitative interviews and directed content analysis to extract the main categories of the concept "aesthetics in the patient education process." 3. Drawing an aesthetic-based patient education conceptual model by allocating new conceptual components to each general step of the patient education process, including needs assessment, goal setting, implementation, and evaluation. 4. Modified Delphi technique to validate the final conceptual model.

RESULTS

The first phase will represent the main categories and subcategories of attributes, antecedents, and consequences of "aesthetic education." The second phase will show the main categories and subcategories of attributes, antecedents, and consequences of the new concept named "aesthetic-based patient education." In the third phase, it is expected to achieve a new conceptual model representing the components of aesthetics in the general steps of the patient education process. The fourth phase will propose the final validated conceptual model.

CONCLUSIONS

The provided study protocol can be a road map to developing derivative models through concept derivation strategy in health sciences.

MAPPinfo - mapping quality of health information: Validation study of an assessment instrument

BACKGROUND

Health information is a prerequisite for informed choices-decisions, made by individuals about their own health based on knowledge and in congruence with own preferences. Criteria for development, content and design have been defined in a corresponding guideline. However, no instruments exist that provide reasonably operationalised measurement items. Therefore, we drafted the checklist, MAPPinfo, addressing the existing criteria with 19 items.

OBJECTIVES

The current study aimed to validate MAPPinfo.

METHODS

Five substudies were conducted subsequently at the Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Germany and the Medical University of Graz, Austria: (1) to determine content validity through expert reviews of the first draft, (2) to determine feasibility using 'think aloud' in piloting with untrained users, (3) to determine inter-rater reliability and criterion validity through a pretest on 50 health information materials, (4) to determine construct validity using 50 developers' self-declarations about development methods as a reference standard, (5) to determine divergent validity in comparison with the Ensuring Quality Information for Patients (EQIP) (expanded) Scale. The analyses used were qualitative methods and correlation-based methods for determining both inter-rater reliability and validity.

RESULTS

The instrument was considered by experts to operationalise the existing guidelines convincingly. Health and nursing science students found it easy to understand and use. It also had good interrater reliability (mean of T coefficients = .79) and provided a very good estimate of the reference standard (Spearman's rho = .89), implying sound construct validity. Finally, comparison with the EQIP instrument revealed important and distinct areas of similarities and differences.

CONCLUSIONS

The new instrument is ready for use as a screening instrument without the need for training. According to its underpinning concept the instrument exclusively comprises items which are justified by either ethics or research evidence, implying negligence of not yet evidence based, however, potentially important criteria. Further research is needed to complete the body of evidence-based criteria, aiming at an extension of the guideline and MAPPinfo.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

AsPredicted22546; date of registration: 24 July 2019.

'I think it affects every aspect of my life, really': Cancer survivors' experience of living with chronic pain after curative cancer treatment in England, UK

AIM

To explore cancer survivors' experiences of living with chronic pain after curative cancer treatment in England, UK.

METHODS

A qualitative study using telephone interviews with adult cancer survivors experiencing chronic pain after curative cancer treatment. Interview data was analysed using a reflexive thematic approach [1-3].

FINDINGS

Nineteen participants: 14 female, 5 male, mean age 62.4 years, 1.5-48 years since cancer diagnosis, eight tumour groups represented. Six participants (31.6%) developed chronic pain more than ten years after completing cancer treatment (range 0-25 years). Five themes were generated which highlighted the experience of chronic pain after cancer treatment for cancer survivors: 1) 'Hear me… believe me…. Please'. Survivors felt that they had not been listened to when they tried to talk about their chronic pain after cancer treatment, nor at times, believed. 2) 'Expectation versus reality'. Survivors had anticipated returning to pre cancer quality of life yet living in chronic pain prevented them from doing so. 3) 'They don't understand…. We don't understand'. Cancer survivors did not feel informed or prepared for the risk or reality of chronic pain after cancer treatment and this compounded the difficulties of coping with and managing their pain. They felt health care professionals lacked knowledge and understanding of chronic pain after cancer. 4) 'Negotiating the maze'. Cancer survivors encountered unclear and limited pathways for support, often bouncing from one support team to another. Identifying and accessing services was a challenge, and the responsibility of this was often left to the survivor. 5) 'Validate my pain, validate me'. Palpable relief and benefit was felt when health care professionals diagnosed and acknowledged their chronic pain after cancer treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Cancer survivors can feel ill prepared for the risk of chronic pain after cancer treatment and can experience challenges accessing support from healthcare professionals and clinical services.

Assessing the Effect of Nonvisual Information Factors in Pandemic-Related Video Communication: Randomized Controlled Between-Subjects Experiment

BACKGROUND

Videos have been an important medium for providing health and risk communication to the public during the COVID-19 pandemic. Public health officials, health care professionals, and policy makers have used videos to communicate pandemic-related content to large parts of the population. Evidence regarding the outcomes of such communication, along with their determinants, is however limited.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to test the impact of nonvisual information factors of video communication on 4 outcomes: trust, comprehension, intentions, and behavior.

METHODS

Twelve short health communication videos related to pandemics were produced and shown to a large sample of participants, applying a randomized controlled between-subjects design. Three factors were included in the creation of the videos: the topic (exponential growth, handwashing, and burden of pandemics on the health care system), the source (expert and nonexpert), and a call to action (present or absent). Participants were randomly assigned to 1 video intervention, and 1194 valid replies were collected. The data were analyzed using factorial ANOVA.

RESULTS

The 3 pandemic-related topics did not affect trust, comprehension, intentions, or behavior. Trust was positively influenced by an expert source (2.5%), whereas a nonexpert source instead had a positive effect on the proxy for behavior (5.7%) compared with the expert source. The inclusion of a call to action had a positive effect on both trust (4.1%) and comprehension (15%).

CONCLUSIONS

Trust and comprehension in pandemic-related video communication can be enhanced by using expert sources and by including a call to action, irrespective of the topic being communicated. Intentions and behavior appear to be affected to a small extent by the 3 factors tested in this study.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID)

RR2-10.2196/34275.

OPERA: perception of information in patients with gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors on lanreotide autogel

IMPORTANCE

Gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (GEP-NETs) can affect patient health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Appropriate information may improve their adherence to treatment and quality of life.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the change in patient's perceptions of the level of information at lanreotide (LAN) treatment initiation for GEP-NETs vs after 6 months.

DESIGN

OPERA (NCT03562091) was a prospective, longitudinal, noninterventional study.

SETTING

Thirty-one centers in France specialized in the management of patients with NETs.

INTERVENTION

Planned clinical visits at enrollment and end-of-study visits at month 6, with completion of the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer 25-item Quality of Life Questionnaire-Information Module (QLQ-INFO25) and 30-item Quality of Life Questionnaire-Core.

MAIN OUTCOME

Absolute change in the patient's perception of the information between baseline and month 6, using the relevant domains of the QLQ-INFO25. Endpoints measured at baseline and month 6 for at least 1 of the 3 targeted QLQ-INFO25 dimensions of the primary endpoint.

RESULTS

Ninety-three of the 115 patients enrolled completed ≥1 primary endpoint information dimension. Mean (SD) scores for the primary endpoint information dimensions were high at baseline (disease, 63.41 [20.71]; treatment, 58.85 [19.00]; supportive care, 26.53 [24.69]; maximum 100). There were no significant changes between baseline (98.34% CI) and 6 months (disease, -2.84 [-8.69, 3.01; P = .24]; treatment, -4.37 [-11.26, 2.52; P = .13]; supportive care, 0.46 [-6.78, 7.70; P = .88]), and in HRQoL between baseline and 6 months.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

The lack of change in patient's perceptions of the disease, treatment, and supportive care information provided over the first 6 months of LAN treatment may suggest that physicians provided adequate information at the treatment initiation.

Improving Access to Patient Education: an Audit of Extant Educational Materials

Health information exchange between provider and patient, along with patient participation in their care (self-management), can lead to improved health outcomes. A step towards achieving better outcomes is the systematic provision of education materials to patients and caregivers throughout the cancer trajectory. An audit of patient education (PE) materials was conducted at a cancer center to identify content gaps and determine areas for future development. The PE audit was conducted in all outpatient clinics (13) and clinic-specific PE materials were identified, reviewed, and categorized by cancer type and under the following topics: About Cancer/Disease, Medical Tests and Imaging, Treatment, Symptom Management, Rehabilitation/Survivorship, General Wellbeing, Medical Device Care, Practical and Other. Four hundred forty-seven PE materials were included in the audit. Totals for each topic were summed and analyzed for education development opportunities. Results varied based on clinic and cancer type. Majority of the materials were found in the following clinics: Hematology (75), Genitourinary (74), and Gastrointestinal (57). The most common information topics were treatment (277), about cancer/disease (134), and symptom management (120). When broken down by cancer type, it was clear that while the collection of PE materials is well established for some diagnoses (e.g., 28 prostate cancer materials), there is a significant dearth in materials for others (e.g., 0 penile cancer materials). Audit results will be used to identify opportunities for future education material development. Determining cancer-specific information gaps is important in achieving equal information access for patients and caregivers, regardless of cancer diagnosis.

Gestational Trophoblastic Disease: Best Practice Nursing Guidelines

BACKGROUND

Clinical outcomes in gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD) are generally excellent, but GTD is a rare and complex condition that requires specialist information and support to offer a gold standard of care. Across Europe, specialist nurses and/or midwives are increasingly common in the GTD multidisciplinary team to work alongside medical professionals in a holistic model of care; however, the role is sometimes non-existent or can vary significantly between GTD centres.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the European Organisation for Treatment of Trophoblastic Diseases' (EOTTD) is to harmonise best practice in Europe. To provide a basis for the European standardisation of best practice nursing care in GTD, a group of European GTD nurses/midwives composed guidelines for minimal requirements and optimal nursing care of GTD patients.

METHODS

Members of the EOTTD member countries with nursing representation attended multiple workshops, both virtual and in person, and guidelines were created by consensus and evidence where available.

OUTCOME

16 nurses and 1 midwife from 4 countries (England, Ireland, Sweden, and the Netherlands) contributed. The group created flow diagrams for treatment and screening patients, showing minimum and best practice nursing care for patients with GTD.

CONCLUSION

Despite the many different models of care and resources available to GTD services, this consensus working group has provided a set of guidelines to drive forward a patient focused holistic model of care for GTD patients. This is an original paper, whereby no such guidelines in GTD nursing have been developed before. The implementation of guidelines will encourage other health care professionals to improve the provision of patient care.

Patients' perceived challenges, competencies, and supportive care needs during acute clinical treatment of breast or gynecological cancer

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to examine challenges, competencies, and supportive care needs (SCN) of women with breast or gynecological cancer during acute cancer treatment and associations to other health-related variables.

METHODS

We surveyed 120 patients with breast or gynecological cancer at the end of acute cancer treatment, either directly after surgery or during adjuvant chemotherapy. We assessed challenges, subjective competencies, and SCN using a self-developed measure comprising 25 items referring to coping tasks assigned to six domains. In addition, patients' competencies and health literacy (HL) were assessed.

RESULTS

Most patients felt at least moderately challenged by coping tasks concerning psychological distress (e.g., dealing with fears and insecurities, 70.2%; coping with cancer diagnosis, 69.6%) and physical complaints (e.g., dealing with a reduced physical capacity, 56.6%). About 42.5%-71.4% of patients who evaluated coping tasks as highly challenging felt competent to deal with these challenges themselves. Less than half of patients reported SCN, mainly regarding psychological concerns. The extent of challenging coping tasks, patients' perceived ability to overcome challenges themselves, and SCN showed associations to patient competencies and HL.

CONCLUSIONS

SCN regarding psychological concerns and health behavior should be addressed in acute cancer care and rehabilitation programs. In addition, promoting HL might be essential in strengthening patients' subjective competencies related to various coping tasks.

A systematic review of m-health apps on managing side effects of breast cancer treatment

PURPOSE

After breast cancer treatment, women with breast cancer may experience distress caused by treatment side effects, both in physical and psychological aspects. Technology use is increasing in favor among women. Therefore, it is essential to update the scientific evidence regarding mobile and web apps' effectiveness in managing the side effects of breast cancer treatments for breast cancer survivors. The purpose of this systematic review was to investigate the scientific evidence on the effectiveness of mobile and web apps in managing the side effects of breast cancer treatments among this group.

METHODS

A literature search was conducted using ScienceDirect, Scopus, PubMed, CINAHL, and Cochrane. Published papers in English focused on mobile and web apps and the side effects of breast cancer treatment in breast cancer survivors were selected. The search reviewed studies from January 2011 to December 2021. From a total of 925 retrieved manuscripts, 11 studies were included for analysis.

RESULTS

The findings showed that mobile apps were more frequently used and more likely to be an effective method for managing the side effects of breast cancer treatment among breast cancer survivors. The content in web or mobile apps for breast cancer survivors should include five categories: (1) information about cancer, (2) overview of cancer care, (3) opportunities for interaction with other people, (4) symptom management strategies, and (5) feedback about cancer treatment side effect management. However, a few studies examined the effects of a combination of mobile and web apps in managing breast cancer treatment side effects. Therefore, future research is needed to examine solo and combination use. In addition, more rigorous studies are warranted to examine these interventions.

CONCLUSIONS

Nurses may refer survivors to these resources to obtain more information and effectively manage the signs and symptoms of breast cancer and its treatment side effects.

The impacts of unmet supportive care needs of cancer survivors in Australia: A qualitative systematic review

INTRODUCTION

Cancer incidence and survivorship are increasing worldwide. With more people living through and beyond cancer, there is a subsequent increase in their supportive care needs. This systematic review of qualitative studies aimed to describe the impacts of unmet supportive care needs on cancer survivors in Australia.

METHODS

Databases MEDLINE, EMBASE and Scopus were searched, and after screening and applying eligibility criteria, 27 qualitative studies were included. Findings were synthesised according to the Supportive Care Framework for Cancer Care, including informational, physical, practical, emotional, psychological, social and spiritual need domains.

RESULTS

The systematic review identified impacts of unmet informational, physical, practical, emotional and psychological needs. Frequently identified impacts of unmet informational needs were feelings of abandonment and isolation, distress, confusion and regret. Common impacts of unmet physical and practical needs were financial burden and return-to-work difficulties. Over half of all unmet supportive care needs caused emotional and psychological impacts.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings identify the detrimental emotional and psychological impacts resulting from a range of unmet supportive care needs. The review highlights the interconnections between supportive care need domains thereby enhancing the understanding of the impacts of unmet SCNs. Findings may inform policy and practice change to improve supportive cancer care.

The impact of COVID-19 on autologous stem cell transplantation in multiple myeloma: A single-centre, qualitative evaluation study

Autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) is standard of care in biologically fit, newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (MM) patients, offering better therapeutic outcomes and improved quality of life (QoL). However, with the UK's 1st national lockdown on 23/03/2020, several guidelines recommended deferring ASCT due to risks of infection, with resource limitations forcing some units to suspend ASCT entirely. Such changes to patients' treatment plans inevitably altered their lived experience during these uncertain times with expected impact on QoL. We conducted a qualitative study using semi-structured interviews to gain insight into MM patients' understanding of their disease, initial therapy and ASCT, and their response to therapy changes. A clinical snapshot of how COVID-19 affected the MM ASCT service in a single UK institution is also provided, including changes to chemotherapy treatment plans, timing, and prioritisation of ASCT. Framework analysis identified 6 overarching themes: (1) beliefs about ASCT, (2) perceptions of information provided about MM and ASCT, (3) high levels of fear and anxiety due to COVID-19, (4) feelings about ASCT disruption or delay due to COVID-19, (5) perceptions of care, and (6) importance of social support. Example subthemes were beliefs that ASCT would provide a long-remission/best chance of normality including freedom from chemotherapy and associated side-effects, disappointment, and devastation at COVID-related treatment delays (despite high anxiety about infection) and exceptionally high levels of trust in the transplant team. Such insights will help us adjust our service and counselling approaches to be more in tune with patients' priorities and expectations.

Patients' challenges, competencies, and perceived support in dealing with information needs - A qualitative analysis in patients with breast and gynecological cancer

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to investigate challenges, competencies, and support in breast and gynecological cancer patients when dealing with information needs and how health literacy as an interplay of these factors might be improved.

METHODS

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with patients in acute care (n = 19), undergoing rehabilitation (n = 20) or attending self-help groups (n = 16). Interviews were analyzed using content analysis.

RESULTS

Challenges: gain information according to own needs, internet as information source, information evaluation and decisions, doctor-patient communication, situationally limited information processing, difficult access to information. Competencies: self-regulation of information needs, media and social competencies, communication skills in the doctor-patient conversation, internet competencies, self-directed decisions according to own needs, interest/self-efficacy, previous knowledge, trust in the doctor.

SUPPORT

by professionals (e.g., patient-centered communication), relatives (e.g., support during consultations), peers (e.g., exchange), facilities (e.g., clinics).

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings provide insight into challenges and competencies relevant to patients' health literacy and the influence of support. The individuality of the interplay highlights the relevance of an active patient role and patient-centered care.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

Patients' health literacy should be improved in (psycho)oncological work by both reducing challenges (e.g., by communication skills training, involving relatives) and promoting competencies (e.g., by needs- and competence-oriented information offers).

Filling the gaps of patient information needs and information perception in chronic myeloid leukemia with the patient-physician co-produced web-based platform CMyLife

BACKGROUND

For patients with chronic myeloid leukemia, a web-based platform CMyLife was developed. Its aim is to enhance patient empowerment, by adequate information provision, among others. Before evaluating its effect, information provision and needs in current care were assessed.

OBJECTIVE

To assess patients' evaluation of received information and information needs before CMyLife utilization and whether this information source is used correspondingly. Additionally, we explored predicting patient factors in information perception.

PATIENT INVOLVEMENT

CMyLife platform was developed with active patient participation.

METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional survey among 203 CML patients before launch of the CMyLife platform, using validated questionnaires on information provision and predictive factors. We focused on website utilization during the first 3 years, using Google Analytics. Regression analyses were performed to determine influence of patient factors on information perception.

RESULTS

Global perceived information provision was scored 42.8 (0-100). Information on other services such as rehabilitation and psychological support, and effects of treatment on sexuality showed room for improvement. One out of 3 knew where to find useful health information online. But more information was desired by 36% of them. Age ≥65 years, time since diagnosis and low education were positively associated with this need. Pages on medication and side effects were visited the most.

DISCUSSION

To fill the gap in perceived provision and needs, information should be adjusted more to the individual in content, manner and timing. Age, time since diagnosis, and educational level are of influence in perceived information, and specific needs within these groups should be further explored.

PRACTICAL VALUE

CMyLife provides reliable and up-to-date information for low eHealth literacy skilled patients concerning multiple topics indicated by patients.

Information needs and preferences among rural cancer survivors in Queensland, Australia: a qualitative examination

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to understand how cancer survivors in rural Queensland seek and receive information, as well as their preferences regarding the content and delivery of health-related information.

METHODS

This study explored cancer survivors' experiences in seeking and comprehending health information using a qualitative descriptive approach. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 24 participants. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis.

RESULTS

Two major themes and six sub-themes were identified including 1) information content and gaps - a) information about diagnosis and treatment, b) survivorship information gaps and c) practical support needs and 2) delivery and acceptance of information - a) sources of information, b) personalised information needs and c) information seeking or avoidance. Findings suggested that health information provision was inconsistent; survivors' attitudes towards seeking information varied greatly; and survivors' had difficulty processing information due to emotional distress.

CONCLUSION

The role of the health professional is critical in providing information and support to rural cancer survivors. Information provided should be tailored to meet the needs and preferences of individuals taking into consideration demographic factors and attitudes. Implications for public health: The current findings imply that quality information provision after cancer treatment would facilitate improvements in satisfaction among rural cancer survivors.

A survey of health information seeking by cancer patients indicates some problems over medical explanations and terminology

BACKGROUND

Cancer patients may experience stress because of insufficient information about their illness, health condition, or treatment, but some may fear what the information reveals.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to determine health information-seeking behaviour, the attitudes of cancer patients, the barriers they face in seeking health information and their sociodemographic and disease characteristics.

METHODS

A survey was conducted with 84 cancer patients in Turkey. Descriptive statistics were performed to determine the characteristics of information seeking and barriers found.

RESULTS

Cancer patients are likely to seek health information, often confident about finding resources easily. The main problems are as follows: (1) insufficient information from health care providers; (2) understanding medical terminology; and (3) lack of help from health care providers to explain information retrieved.

DISCUSSION

The information-seeking behaviour of cancer patients in this sample in Turkey resembles studies elsewhere, with (overall) evidence of monitoring behaviour (wanting to find out more about the disease, treatment and effects on lived experience).

CONCLUSIONS

The cancer patients in this survey were generally willing and confident in their information seeking to find out more about the disease, treatment and effects on lifestyle. The main barriers were medical terminology, insufficient explanations and information from healthcare providers.