Oncology Patient Interest in the Use of New Technologies to Manage Their Disease: Cross-Sectional Survey (Preprint)

Abstract

Background: Information and communication technologies (ICTs) in oncology can revolutionize the medical care of cancer patients. ICTs can promote patient's empowerment and real-time disease monitoring. There is limited information about the impact of ICTs in cancer patients of ICTs in this patient group or indeed their level of interest in using these tools for greater management of their condition.Objective: We aimed to understand the ICT usage profile in hematology-oncology patients, to identify their needs, and to determine their level of interest in these technologies as a means of managing their disease. Methods:A 28-item questionnaire was drawn up by a multidisciplinary team including pharmacists and oncologists. The questions were organized into three blocks. A: socio-demographic characteristics; B: use of ICTs when searching for health-related information; and C: usage preferences for health apps. Hematology-oncology patients receiving treatment between May and July 2017 were included. A paper copy of the questionnaire was handed to patients in the Day Hospital or the Pharmaceutical Care Consultancy in Pharmacy Services.Results: A total of 650 questionnaires were handed out, with a participation of 94% (611/650).Patient socio-demographic characteristics: Mean age was 57.8 years-old . Of participants, 61.9% (378/611) were women, 40.7% (249/611) had a university education, and 45.1% (276/611) of patients reported their overall state of health to be good. Use of ICTs when searching for health-related information:87.1% (532/611) of subjects were interested in being informed about health-related matters. Of all subjects, 75.5% (532/611) sought information from health professionals and 61.3% (375/611) on the Internet. Of these, 71.2% (436/611) searched through Google and 21.9% (134/611) by means of social networks. Before going to their doctor's appointment, 21.8% (133/611) of patients looked up information about their disease and/or treatment on the Internet. This access to the internet rose to 51% after their first medical appointment with their oncologist, up to 50.9% (311/611) of participants referred to the Internet.Usage preferences for health apps: 82.7% (505/611) had a smartphone, while 20.3% (124/611) had a health app installed. Some 81.5% (498/611) would use an app if their health professional recommended it to them, but 39.6% (242/611) were not willed to pay for it. Conclusions:The hematology-oncology patients showed a great deal of interest in searching for healthrelated information by means of ICTs, especially using smartphones and apps. The issues that drew the most interest in terms of apps were appointment management, advice on disease management, and communication with health professionals. Free access to these features and the recommendation by a health professional are important factors when it comes to their use. Therefore, the health care provider is a key element in the recommendation of ICTs, providing their knowledge and experience concerning their correct usage.