Satisfaction With Telehealth for Cancer Support Groups in Rural American Indian and Alaska Native Communities

Abstract

A descriptive study was conducted to determine the information needs of American Indian (AI) and Alaska Native (AN) cancer survivors and assess satisfaction with and acceptability of telehealth support group services for cancer survivors in AI and AN rural communities. AI and AN cancer survivors were asked to complete the Telehealth Satisfaction Survey and two open-ended questions, one regarding information needs and one seeking comments and suggestions about cancer support group meetings. Thirty-two surveys were returned. Information about nutrition during treatment and treatment-related side effects were the most sought after topics. Participants valued the opportunity to interact with other AI and AN cancer survivors who also lived in remote locations and the usefulness of the information presented. The link with geographically distant survivors was valuable to participants as they felt they were no longer alone in their cancer experiences. Determining survivors’ information needs provides meaningful topics for future support group education. Telehealth is a viable way to facilitate cancer support groups to AI and AN cancer survivors in rural communities.

Factors affecting success of an integrated community-based telehealth system

“…Overall, the participants very satisfied with the integrated community-based telehealth facilities of this rural township. These results were consistent with that presented in Doorenbos et al [13]. The findings suggested that integrated community-based telehealth has been seen as a viable way to facilitate residents to access care and support services in rural communities.…”

“…In synchronous systems, videoconferencing provides a patient and health care provider at either end with interactive clinical encounter via a live telecommunication linkage. Some studies have demonstrated that videoconferencing was a viable method for facilitating cancer support groups to rural communities [13]. On the other hand, asynchronous systems involve the collection and electronic storage of personal health record (PHR; e.g.…”

Innovative and Community-Guided Evaluation and Dissemination of a Prostate Cancer Education Program for African-American Men and Women

“…The refined prostate cancer education program includes updated content formatted for more innovative and widespread dissemination via videoconference broadcasting to ensure that AA men and women are receiving plain language, culturally appropriate, and targeted prostate cancer information that will allow men to make informed decisions about screening, treatment, and participation in cancer research. Video-based teleconferencing is considered a an effective method for health promotion initiatives and interventions including those for smoking cessation [23], stroke management [24], breastfeeding support [25], and cancer education [26]. Additionally, video-based teleconferencing can be especially advantageous to rural communities that would not otherwise have easy access to relevant and timely health information [26].…”

“…Video-based teleconferencing is considered a an effective method for health promotion initiatives and interventions including those for smoking cessation [23], stroke management [24], breastfeeding support [25], and cancer education [26]. Additionally, video-based teleconferencing can be especially advantageous to rural communities that would not otherwise have easy access to relevant and timely health information [26]. The refined program was delivered in person at one central location in the state and the videoconference from the central location was broadcasted at two additional locations across the state with the assistance of additional community partners.…”

Developing the Native People for Cancer Control Telehealth Network

“…22 Between August 2007 and December 2008, the NPCCTN's healthcare providers' education series offered sessions on survivorship care, end-of-life issues, cancer care for children, pharmacological pain management interventions, and reviews of specific types of cancer. From February 2008 through September 2009, the NPCCTN offered a monthly support group meeting for cancer survivors that incorporated an educational presentation on a variety of issues related to survivorship, a question and answer session, and an opportunity for cancer survivors across the region to interact via video teleconference.…”