Perspective on digital communication with health professions from close supporters of young people with long-term health conditions (The LYNC Study)

Abstract

Objective To understand the impact of digital communication using email and text between young people and their health care team on those in close supporting roles. Methods Twelve people (nine parents and three partners) of young people with long-term health conditions were interviewed between November 2014 and March 2016. Thematic analysis was performed followed Braun and Clarke's (2006) 6-phase method. Results Four main themes were identified. Close supporters felt that digital clinical communication was useful for young persons’ self-management. As well as young patients, close supporters would also like to have direct access to the clinicians, but it was necessary to build up a trusting relationship between close supporters and clinicians initially. Video appointments were suggested for future digital communication technology. Conclusions Close supporters were encouraging digital communication for their young person with diabetes. Clinicians should put an emphasis on establishing trusting relationships with both young people and close supporters which would be beneficial for their digital clinical communications.

Public sentiments and the influence of information-seeking preferences on knowledge, attitudes, death conversation, and receptiveness toward palliative care: results from a nationwide survey in Singapore

“…This is unsurprising given the current pervasiveness and accessibility of digital information, particularly when dealing with younger generations of patients. 66 However, in this study, unlike when people sought information from individuals, media sources had no significant impact on the comfort level in death discussion. This is salient as webbased ACP tools proliferate in endeavors and have been shown to significantly increase access to ACP information, enhance knowledge and patient communication, and improve documentation and goal concordant care.…”

“…This is unsurprising given the current pervasiveness and accessibility of digital information, particularly when dealing with younger generations of patients. 66 …”