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Mocydlarz-Adamcewicz M, Bajsztok B, Filip S, Petera J, Mestan M, Malicki J. Management of Onsite and Remote Communication in Oncology Hospitals: Data Protection in an Era of Rapid Technological Advances. J Pers Med 2023; 13:jpm13050761. [PMID: 37240931 DOI: 10.3390/jpm13050761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Modern communication and information technologies are rapidly being deployed at health care institutions around the world. Although these technologies offer many benefits, ensuring data protection is a major concern, and implementation of robust data protection measures is essential. In this context, health care providers and medical care facilities must frequently make difficult decisions and compromises between the need to provide effective medical care and the need to ensure data security and patient privacy. In the present paper, we describe and discuss key issues related to data protection systems in the setting of cancer care hospitals in Europe. We provide real-life examples from two European countries-Poland and the Czech Republic-to illustrate data protection issues and the steps being taking to address these questions. More specifically, we discuss the legal framework surrounding data protection and technical aspects related to patient authentication and communication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirosława Mocydlarz-Adamcewicz
- Department of Electroradiology, University of Medical Sciences, Fredry 10, 61-701 Poznan, Poland
- Greater Poland Cancer Centre, Garbary 15, 61-866 Poznan, Poland
| | | | - Stanislav Filip
- Department of Oncology and Radiotherapy, Medical Faculty and University Hospital, Charles University, Sokolska 548, 500 05 Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Jiri Petera
- Department of Oncology and Radiotherapy, Medical Faculty and University Hospital, Charles University, Sokolska 548, 500 05 Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Miroslav Mestan
- 1st Department of Internal Medicine, Medical Faculty and University Hospital, Charles University, Sokolska 548, 500 05 Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Julian Malicki
- Department of Electroradiology, University of Medical Sciences, Fredry 10, 61-701 Poznan, Poland
- Greater Poland Cancer Centre, Garbary 15, 61-866 Poznan, Poland
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Sarantis D, Soares D, Carvalho J. Developing health sector websites assessment instrument: Challenges and pitfalls. EVALUATION AND PROGRAM PLANNING 2022; 92:102065. [PMID: 35338979 DOI: 10.1016/j.evalprogplan.2022.102065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2021] [Revised: 12/27/2021] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Electronic health services have been received with a tremendous interest world over. Patients consider hospital websites as highly important sources for health information and services. As a number of health institutes are carrying out projects to improve their websites, the need to design proper assessment means to measure whether they have achieved or are going to achieve their targets arises. Proper assessment of these websites gives us crucial information on the kind of changes needed to make them successful. To satisfy this need, an instrument called Health Sector Website Assessment Index (HSWAI) was developed, integrating the assessment of content, services, community interaction and technology features criteria, under a multi-indicator approach. Many of the considered indicators could be used to monitor progress towards the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3, which is the United Nations health-focused goal. The purpose of this study is to highlight the challenges of developing and applying the assessment instrument for health institute websites. The paper covers key issues and challenges in conceiving, designing, developing, refining and validating HSWAI, and finally in applying it to a set of Portuguese health institutes. The results of this study could provide several insights and recommendations to e-Government assessment researchers and practitioners at the national and agency levels on the development of relative e-Government assessment tools. Studies such as the current one, apart from presenting applied solutions and relative lessons learned, are valuable to the conceptualization and application of present and future e-Government assessment initiatives, regardless of the sector where the effort occurs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Demetrios Sarantis
- United Nations University Operating Unit on Policy-Driven Electronic Governance Campus de Couros, Rua Vila Flor 166, 4810-445, Guimarães, Portugal.
| | - Delfina Soares
- United Nations University Operating Unit on Policy-Driven Electronic Governance Campus de Couros, Rua Vila Flor 166, 4810-445, Guimarães, Portugal.
| | - Joana Carvalho
- United Nations University Operating Unit on Policy-Driven Electronic Governance Campus de Couros, Rua Vila Flor 166, 4810-445, Guimarães, Portugal.
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Fionda B, Piras A, D'Aviero A, Venuti V, Casà C, Preziosi F, Catucci F, Boldrini L, Daidone A, Tagliaferri L, Gambacorta MA, Valentini V. The "PC-WIRED" study: Patient Centred Evolution of Websites of Italian Radiotherapy Departments. PATIENT EDUCATION AND COUNSELING 2021; 104:2152-2153. [PMID: 33608213 DOI: 10.1016/j.pec.2021.02.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2020] [Revised: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 02/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- B Fionda
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Dipartimento di Diagnostica per Immagini, Radioterapia Oncologica ed Ematologia, Rome, Italy
| | - A Piras
- Villa Santa Teresa, Radioterapia Oncologica, Palermo, Italy
| | - A D'Aviero
- Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy.
| | - V Venuti
- Università degli Studi di Palermo, Radioterapia Oncologica, Palermo, Italy
| | - C Casà
- Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - F Preziosi
- Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - F Catucci
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Dipartimento di Diagnostica per Immagini, Radioterapia Oncologica ed Ematologia, Rome, Italy
| | - L Boldrini
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Dipartimento di Diagnostica per Immagini, Radioterapia Oncologica ed Ematologia, Rome, Italy; Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - A Daidone
- Villa Santa Teresa, Radioterapia Oncologica, Palermo, Italy
| | - L Tagliaferri
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Dipartimento di Diagnostica per Immagini, Radioterapia Oncologica ed Ematologia, Rome, Italy
| | - M A Gambacorta
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Dipartimento di Diagnostica per Immagini, Radioterapia Oncologica ed Ematologia, Rome, Italy; Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - V Valentini
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Dipartimento di Diagnostica per Immagini, Radioterapia Oncologica ed Ematologia, Rome, Italy; Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
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Park KA, Eum SY, Oh H, Cho MH, Chang HS, Lee YS, Kim S, Park CS. Factors affecting online health community participation behavior in patients with thyroid cancer. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0235056. [PMID: 32579575 PMCID: PMC7313971 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0235056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2019] [Accepted: 06/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Globally, cancer patients obtain much of their disease information online. Online health communities allow patients to share questions and information about diseases. However, there have been few studies on the factors affecting online health community participation behavior in cancer patients. Online social networking is associated with mental health problems, and patients with thyroid cancer experience high levels of distress, anxiety and depression. The purpose of this study was to investigate factors associated with use of online health communities by patients with thyroid cancer to understand the characteristics of patients participating in such online communities. A questionnaire survey was completed by 114 thyroid cancer patients admitted for surgery at a general hospital in Seoul, Korea. General characteristics, clinical characteristics, attitude toward cancer, distress, and anxiety and depression scores of patients who joined an online health community (user group) and patients who did not (non-user group) were compared. The factors affecting online health community participation were education (p = 0.049), tumor size (p = 0.010), attitude toward cancer (p = 0.022), and anxiety and depression (p = 0.021). The average score of satisfaction with the online health community was 4.25 of 5. The user group had larger tumors, a high awareness of the risk of thyroid cancer, and high levels of anxiety and depression. Patients who actively used the online health community have relatively larger cancer size and had higher levels of mental stress. As such patients are often very anxious and depend heavily on the gathered information, the quality of this information is important. Healthcare professionals need to develop appropriate interventions for patients participating in the online health community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyung Ah Park
- Thyroid Cancer Center Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University Health System, Seoul, Korea
- Division of Nursing, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University Health System, Seoul, Korea
- Department of Nursing, Graduate School, Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea
| | - So Yeon Eum
- Division of Nursing, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University Health System, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hyeonjung Oh
- Division of Nursing, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University Health System, Seoul, Korea
| | - Myung Hae Cho
- Division of Nursing, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University Health System, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hang-Seok Chang
- Thyroid Cancer Center Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University Health System, Seoul, Korea
- Department of Surgery, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Institute of Refractory Thyroid Cancer, Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Yong Sang Lee
- Thyroid Cancer Center Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University Health System, Seoul, Korea
- Department of Surgery, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Institute of Refractory Thyroid Cancer, Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea
- * E-mail: (YSL); (SK)
| | - Sanghee Kim
- College of Nursing & Mo-Im Kim Nursing Research Institute, Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea
- * E-mail: (YSL); (SK)
| | - Cheong Soo Park
- Thyroid Cancer Center Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University Health System, Seoul, Korea
- Department of Surgery, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Institute of Refractory Thyroid Cancer, Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea
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Leung R. Increasing the Impact of JMIR Journals in the Attention Economy. J Med Internet Res 2019; 21:e16172. [PMID: 31674916 PMCID: PMC6914247 DOI: 10.2196/16172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2019] [Revised: 10/14/2019] [Accepted: 10/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
The Journal of Medical Internet Research (JMIR) has attained remarkable achievements in the past twenty years. By depth, JMIR has published the most impactful research in medical informatics and is top ranked in the field. By width, JMIR has spun off to about thirty sister journals to cover topics such as serious games, mobile health, public health, surveillance, and other medical areas. With ever-increasing data and research findings, academic publishers need to be competitive to win readers’ attention. While JMIR is well-positioned in the field, the journal will need more creative strategies to increase its attention base and maintain its leading position. Viable strategies include the creation of online collaborative spaces, the engagement of more diverse audience from less traditional channels, and partnerships with other publishers and academic institutes. Doing so could also enable JMIR researchers to turn research insights into practical strategies to improve personal health and medical services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricky Leung
- University at Albany, School of Public Health, Rensselaer, NY, United States
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Schook RM, Linssen C, Festen J, Schramel FM, Lammers E, Zaanen P, Postmus PE. Website visitors asking questions online to lung cancer specialists: what do they want to know? Interact J Med Res 2013; 2:e15. [PMID: 23919980 PMCID: PMC3742407 DOI: 10.2196/ijmr.1749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2011] [Accepted: 06/03/2013] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In 2003 the Dutch Lung Cancer Information Centre (Longkanker Informatie Centrum) launched a website containing information on lung cancer accessible to anyone. OBJECTIVE Our study aim was to inventorize the information needs of the visitors of this website by analyzing the questions they asked the lung cancer specialists in the websites interactive section "Ask the Physician". METHODS The first 2000 questions posted up until May 2006 have been classified by visitors' wish, type of required information, identity, gender, and phase during treatment course. RESULTS Our results show that 1893 (1158/1893, 61%) of the questions were asked by a loved one/caregiver and (239/1893 13%) by patients. 1 out of 3 questions was asked by a daughter/grand-daughter. Most questions concerned specific information on lung cancer and lung cancer course (817/1893, 43%). The most inquired specific information topics were therapy side effects, diagnostics, general information on lung cancer, and regular therapy. Furthermore, questioners wanted to verify their own doctor's information (122/1893, 6%), a diagnosis (267/1893, 14%), and a prognosis (204/1893, 11%). CONCLUSIONS Lung cancer patients and their caregivers asked the most questions in the interactive website section. The most frequently requested information was more detailed information. These include specific information on lung cancer (regular therapy, diagnostics, and disease symptoms), verification of what the doctor has said, diagnosis, and prognosis. Most of the requested information could have been obtained from treating specialists, indicating that current information supply to lung cancer patients and their caregivers may not be matching their needs sufficiently. The further implementation of an online dialogue with lung cancer specialists might be a solution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romane M Schook
- VU University Medical Center, Department of Pulmonary Diseases, Amsterdam, Netherlands.
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Lantsberg AV, Troitzsch KG, Buldakova TI. Development of the electronic service system of a municipal clinic (Based on the analysis of foreign web resources). AUTOMATIC DOCUMENTATION AND MATHEMATICAL LINGUISTICS 2011. [DOI: 10.3103/s0005105511020075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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The Quality and Characteristics of Leading General Hospitals’ Websites in China. J Med Syst 2010; 35:1553-62. [DOI: 10.1007/s10916-010-9432-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2009] [Accepted: 01/14/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Dilts D, Ridner SH, Franco A, Murphy B. Patients with cancer and e-mail: implications for clinical communication. Support Care Cancer 2008; 17:1049-56. [PMID: 19050941 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-008-0538-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2008] [Accepted: 11/07/2008] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
GOALS OF WORK The aim of this study was to collect information about cancer patients' current e-mail use and willingness to communicate with healthcare providers by e-mail. MATERIALS AND METHODS A cohort of 208 patients, undergoing treatment at a comprehensive cancer center in an urban academic medical center in southeastern USA, participated in this descriptive study. An Internet use questionnaire was developed and then used to survey patients with cancer. MAIN RESULTS The majority of patients indicated that e-mail would be a desirable method of clinical communication. A subset of patients would not use e-mail for clinical purposes even if they had access. CONCLUSIONS E-mail communication may be an acceptable form of communication among patients, nurses, and other members of the support team. Because a subset of patients will not use this form of communication, assessment of individual patient preferences for use of e-mail is indicated prior to enrolling them in an e-mail communication program.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Dilts
- Center for Management Research in Healthcare, Engineering Management Program, School of Engineering and Owen Graduate School of Management, Vanderbilt University, 401 21st Avenue South, Nashville, TN 37203, USA
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Doolittle GC, Spaulding A. Online cancer services: types of services offered and associated health outcomes. J Med Internet Res 2005; 7:e35. [PMID: 15998626 PMCID: PMC1550653 DOI: 10.2196/jmir.7.3.e35] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2005] [Revised: 06/06/2005] [Accepted: 02/19/2005] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
There are advantages and disadvantages associated with utilization of online health services among individuals living with cancer. Accessing accurate, reliable health-related information online gives patients the power to enhance their understanding of information they obtain from their health care providers. However, online health information can often be confusing for patients to interpret, and it can sometimes be conflicting or incorrect. Based on a framework by Eysenbach, the following paper discusses various types of cancer services that are available online, and it addresses both positive and negative health outcomes that have been linked to utilizing such services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gary C Doolittle
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Clinical Oncology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA.
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE The Internet provides an enormous amount of patient-orientated information on colorectal cancer. This study examined its accessibility and quality. METHODS Sites were identified using two search engines (Google and Hotbot) and the search terms 'bowel cancer' and 'colon and rectal cancer'. The first 100 sites in each search were visited and classified. Sites that contained patient information were assessed using the 'Discern' instrument for reliability and quality of information on treatment choices. RESULTS Google identified 55,700 sites for the search term 'colorectal cancer' and 214,000 for 'bowel cancer'. Hotbot produced 27,700 and 190,000, respectively. Four hundred sites were studied. Only 25 (6%) sites were duplicated in the searches. One hundred and eighteen (30%) provided information, 70 (18%) were lists of links, 27 (7%) were adverts, 22 (6%) promoted medical centres, 51 (13%) were dead links, 15 (4%) were message boards. Of the 118 that provided information 73 (62%) advised on treatment and 73 (62%) were designed for patients. The sources of information were clear in 55 (47%) and the date when this information was reported was given in only 63 (53%). By adapting the Discern instrument, sites were classified as excellent 18 (15.3%), very good 19 (16.1%), good 28 (23.7%), fair 8 (6.8%) and poor 45 (38.1%). CONCLUSIONS The Internet provides a wealth of information on colorectal cancer but the best sites are difficult for patients to distinguish from the thousands of sites returned by search engines. Clinicians should guide patients to quality sites to avoid confusion and misinformation.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Al-Bahrani
- General Surgery, Lister Hospital, Stevenage, UK.
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Lorence DP, Spink A. Semantics and the medical web: a review of barriers and breakthroughs in effective healthcare query. Health Info Libr J 2004; 21:109-16. [PMID: 15191602 DOI: 10.1111/j.1471-1842.2004.00491.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
This paper provides an overview of the research into current medical vocabularies and their impact on searching the Web for health information. The Web provides growing opportunities for laypersons to gain knowledge about specific health conditions, though research to date has been incomplete. Many studies have examined aspects of controlled medical vocabularies. Other studies have examined aspects of medical Web searching vocabularies. In this context, there is a growing need to examine more closely laypersons' Web queries using controlled medical vocabularies that were designed to serve the needs of medical professionals. It may be the case that the average consumer of Web health services is not able to use correct medical terminology, and may not be able to choose analogous or synonymous terms from a search result list. Our review suggests a growing need for studies to examine the current applicability of controlled medical vocabularies as well as alternatives to semantic query by Web search engine users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel P Lorence
- Department of Health Policy and Administration, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16801, USA.
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Bader JL, Theofanos MF. Searching for cancer information on the internet: analyzing natural language search queries. J Med Internet Res 2003; 5:e31. [PMID: 14713659 PMCID: PMC1550578 DOI: 10.2196/jmir.5.4.e31] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2003] [Revised: 11/19/2003] [Accepted: 11/22/2003] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Searching for health information is one of the most-common tasks performed by Internet users. Many users begin searching on popular search engines rather than on prominent health information sites. We know that many visitors to our (National Cancer Institute) Web site, cancer.gov, arrive via links in search engine result. Objective To learn more about the specific needs of our general-public users, we wanted to understand what lay users really wanted to know about cancer, how they phrased their questions, and how much detail they used. Methods The National Cancer Institute partnered with AskJeeves, Inc to develop a methodology to capture, sample, and analyze 3 months of cancer-related queries on the Ask.com Web site, a prominent United States consumer search engine, which receives over 35 million queries per week. Using a benchmark set of 500 terms and word roots supplied by the National Cancer Institute, AskJeeves identified a test sample of cancer queries for 1 week in August 2001. From these 500 terms only 37 appeared ≥ 5 times/day over the trial test week in 17208 queries. Using these 37 terms, 204165 instances of cancer queries were found in the Ask.com query logs for the actual test period of June-August 2001. Of these, 7500 individual user questions were randomly selected for detailed analysis and assigned to appropriate categories. The exact language of sample queries is presented. Results Considering multiples of the same questions, the sample of 7500 individual user queries represented 76077 queries (37% of the total 3-month pool). Overall 78.37% of sampled Cancer queries asked about 14 specific cancer types. Within each cancer type, queries were sorted into appropriate subcategories including at least the following: General Information, Symptoms, Diagnosis and Testing, Treatment, Statistics, Definition, and Cause/Risk/Link. The most-common specific cancer types mentioned in queries were Digestive/Gastrointestinal/Bowel (15.0%), Breast (11.7%), Skin (11.3%), and Genitourinary (10.5%). Additional subcategories of queries about specific cancer types varied, depending on user input. Queries that were not specific to a cancer type were also tracked and categorized. Conclusions Natural-language searching affords users the opportunity to fully express their information needs and can aid users naïve to the content and vocabulary. The specific queries analyzed for this study reflect news and research studies reported during the study dates and would surely change with different study dates. Analyzing queries from search engines represents one way of knowing what kinds of content to provide to users of a given Web site. Users ask questions using whole sentences and keywords, often misspelling words. Providing the option for natural-language searching does not obviate the need for good information architecture, usability engineering, and user testing in order to optimize user experience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judith L Bader
- National Cancer Institute, Office of Communications, Cancer Information Products and Services, Communications Technology Branch, Bethesda, MD 20852, USA.
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Norum J, Grev A, Moen MA, Balteskard L, Holthe K. Information and communication technology (ICT) in oncology. Patients' and relatives' experiences and suggestions. Support Care Cancer 2003; 11:286-93. [PMID: 12690539 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-002-0437-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2002] [Accepted: 12/11/2002] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Cancer patients and relatives worldwide are turning more and more to the internet to obtain health information. The goal of this survey was to clarify their experiences and suggestions on the implementation of information and communication technology (ICT) in oncology. A total of 127 patients and 60 relatives visiting the outpatient clinic at the Department of Oncology, University of North Norway (UNN), the regional office of the Norwegian Cancer Union (NCU) and the Montebello Centre were included in a questionnaire-based study. Participants were recruited during the period September 2001 to February 2002. There were 92 women and 95 men. We revealed that hospital doctors, followed by nurses and friends, were the most important informants. Two-thirds of patients and relatives had access to the internet, but fewer than one-third had searched the internet for medical information and only one-fifth had discussed information accessed with their doctor. Only one-tenth had visited a hospital website. Internet access was correlated with young age. Almost two-thirds suggested that e-mail and/or WAP (wireless application protocol) communication should be included in hospital-patient communication. Concerning hospital websites, waiting time, treatment offer and addresses were considered the top three topics of interest. In conclusion, the majority of cancer patients and relatives have access to the internet. They recommend ICT employed in patient-hospital communication and suggest waiting time, treatment offers and addresses the three most important topics on hospital websites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Norum
- Department of Oncology, University Hospital of North Norway, P.O. Box 13, 9038 Tromsø, Norway.
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Fogel J, Albert SM, Schnabel F, Ditkoff BA, Neugut AI. Use of the Internet by women with breast cancer. J Med Internet Res 2002; 4:E9. [PMID: 12554556 PMCID: PMC1761930 DOI: 10.2196/jmir.4.2.e9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 133] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2002] [Accepted: 06/26/2002] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recently, many cancer patients have been using the Internet for information with which to make informed choices. We are not aware of any studies that investigate this Internet use among breast cancer patients or women. OBJECTIVE We investigate the prevalence and predictors of Internet use for medical information among women with breast cancer. METHODS We used a cross-sectional design and approached 251 women with breast cancer being treated at a university-based hospital. We successfully interviewed 188 (74.9%), through mailed self-report questionnaires. Medical information was obtained from the hospital tumor registry. We used t tests and chi-square tests to assess differences in Internet use for breast health issues and binary logistic regression to estimate the odds ratio (OR) for predictors of Internet use for breast health issues. RESULTS In our sample, 41.5% of patients used the Internet for medical information. Internet users differed from nonusers on income level, educational level, and by race/ethnicity. After controlling for the other predictors, Internet users had a higher income (OR = 3.10; 95% CI = 1.09-8.85) and tended to be more educated (OR = 2.59; 95% CI = 0.87-7.74) than nonusers. There was also a suggestion that those of nonwhite ethnicity were less likely to use the Internet (OR = 0.39; 95% CI = 0.14-1.11). Increasing age, length of time since diagnosis, and breast cancer stage had no effect. CONCLUSIONS A substantial proportion of breast cancer patients used the Internet as a source of information. Patients with higher income or education, and patients of white race/ethnicity are more likely to use the Internet for breast health issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua Fogel
- Department of Psychology, Queen Elizabeth II Health Sciences Centre, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.
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