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The role of Internet cancer information for older adults with cancer: Perspectives of older adults and healthcare professionals.
- Source :
- International Journal of Older People Nursing; Jun2020, Vol. 15 Issue 2, p1-8, 8p, 1 Diagram, 3 Charts
- Publication Year :
- 2020
-
Abstract
- Objective: Older adults with cancer have unique information and supportive care needs. There is a growing body of literature regarding the use of Internet health information, but less is known about the use of the Internet for cancer information amongst older adults with cancer. Materials and methods: This is a secondary analysis of qualitative data from a mixed‐methods study of the use of cancer‐related Internet information amongst adults with cancer. In the present study, we include transcripts from two samples: 34 interviews with adults over age 55 (n = 17) with cancer, and interviews and focus groups with healthcare professionals (n = 21). Data were analysed using thematic analysis with an interest in age‐related themes. Results: Our findings are grouped into three main themes: (a) independently augmenting healthcare services and supports; (b) supporting and situating information; and (c) mobilising family and support networks. Patients and healthcare providers described cancer‐related Internet information as a beneficial resource to address gaps in information and supplement information from healthcare professionals from diagnosis and throughout treatment. Older adults reported using cancer‐related Internet information to manage their cancer experience, although sometimes feeling technologically hesitant. However, healthcare professionals felt older adults were less likely than younger patients to seek cancer information from the Internet. Conclusion: The use of cancer‐related Internet information is growing amongst older adults with cancer. Older adults mobilise technology uniquely. Healthcare professionals can support these efforts by being aware and through initiating dialogue about information preferences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Subjects :
- AGE distribution
ATTITUDE (Psychology)
CANCER patients
CANCER patient medical care
CANCER treatment
CONTINUUM of care
EXPERIENCE
FAMILIES
FOCUS groups
HEALTH
HEALTH education
INTERNET
INTERVIEWING
RESEARCH methodology
MEDICAL needs assessment
MEDICAL personnel
PATIENT-professional relations
NEEDS assessment
RESEARCH funding
STATISTICAL sampling
HEALTH self-care
SUPPORT groups
SOCIAL networks
EMAIL
INFORMATION resources
QUALITATIVE research
JUDGMENT sampling
SECONDARY analysis
SOCIAL support
SPECIALTY hospitals
ACCESS to information
THEMATIC analysis
DATA analysis software
PATIENTS' attitudes
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 17483735
- Volume :
- 15
- Issue :
- 2
- Database :
- Complementary Index
- Journal :
- International Journal of Older People Nursing
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 143217116
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1111/opn.12303