Perspectives of healthcare professionals on patient Internet use during the cancer experience

Abstract

In this study, we document cancer healthcare professionals’ views of patients’ use of cancer‐related Internet information (CRII) and their views on how it informs the ways patients interact with healthcare professionals and services from the point of view of health professionals. We used an interpretive descriptive approach, conducting interviews and focus groups with oncology healthcare professionals (n = 21) at a University‐affiliated western Canadian cancer treatment centre. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. We present an initial understanding of how CRII alters, informs and modulates patients’ cancer experience and relates to their interactions with healthcare professionals and services. Findings were synthesised into two thematic categories: pragmatic concerns and priorities; and processes and practices. Healthcare professionals were supportive of patients’ needs for more information, particularly at key points in the cancer trajectory when information may be lacking. Participants concurred that CRII could positively benefit patients and, if shared with their healthcare professional, could benefit the patient–healthcare professional relationship. Oncology healthcare professionals provide pivotal information to patients; thus, they are well situated to engage patients in discussions about CRII and incorporate this into patient encounters. These actions may open new lines of communication with patients, strengthen the patient–professional relationship and empower patients to be engaged in their own care.

<p>Health care professional perceptions of online information and support for young people with cancer in the United Kingdom</p>

“…Similar to young people’s views,14 HCPs were generally satisfied by the factual information about cancer and treatment available online for young people who were at diagnosis or on treatment. In contrast to previous studies with adult cancer patients that indicated a reluctance to recommend online information,15,20,23,24 we found HCPs directed young people to websites from the point of diagnosis, especially those with a reported reputation for being accurate, such as Macmillan Cancer Support, Cancer Research UK, and NHS Choices. Professionals described variation in online use throughout the cancer timeline similar to previous reported young people’s views,14 and felt existing online information and resources for young people beyond treatment, who were relapsed, in long-term follow-up and receiving palliative care were lacking.…”

“…Keeping young people safe online was a big concern for HCPs, and there was anxiety over their inability to control what young people looked at online, or who they may interact with. This has been reported previously,24 especially concern over the availability of videos online and the impact it could have on patients viewing procedures they were scheduled to have. Other concerns professionals have previously reported was difficulty patients could have in understanding online information, information giving young people unrealistic expectations about treatment or request treatment that was not suitable 17,24.…”

“…This has been reported previously,24 especially concern over the availability of videos online and the impact it could have on patients viewing procedures they were scheduled to have. Other concerns professionals have previously reported was difficulty patients could have in understanding online information, information giving young people unrealistic expectations about treatment or request treatment that was not suitable 17,24. Likewise, HCPs in our study were concerned that young people could access irrelevant information for their age/diagnosis/situation and the presence of out of date information.…”

“…One of the benefits of delivering information through the internet is sharing information about sensitive issues, where the patient (or HCP) may not feel comfortable in discussing this 24. Similar to young people,14 HCPs felt that the internet should not be seen as a replacement, but to supplement and enhance face-to-face consultations.…”

Quality of DCIS information on the internet: a content analysis

“…Increasingly, patients turn to the Internet for health information, and women use the Internet as a source of health information more than men [27]. Sharing of Internet-acquired information by patients during appointments can foster communication and improve the patient–clinician relationship [28], and supplement information provided by clinicians [29]. However, clinicians have raised concerns about the accuracy of online health information [30].…”