Abstract 3219
Background
Individuals newly diagnosed with cancer may experience impairments in several aspects of health and often have a high need for both information and support. Approximately 30 % will experience symptoms of anxiety and depression with varying needs of support. E-health interventions such as internet-based interactive health communication applications (IHCAs) may offer a supplement to standard care services. Developers of such interventions need to work closely with presumptive users to add relevance and value. The purpose was to explore the user experiences of an IHCA targeting individuals with breast- colorectal or prostate cancer with symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Methods
A qualitative study with inductive approach was conducted, where 15 individuals using an IHCA targeting symptoms of anxiety and depression were interviewed with semi-structured questions. Content analysis was used to analyze interviews.
Results
The need for information was described as high, and almost looked upon as a survival strategy when newly diagnosed. The IHCA was experienced as a useful, reliable source of information and support, and was used as a complement to standard care. Increased knowledge was a foundation for continued processing of own feelings and the favorable time to get access to the IHCA was when being informed of the diagnose. The common denominator was that of being acknowledged but with a further desire for individual adjustment to own situation and needs.
Conclusions
The IHCA was experienced as a safe and reliable complement to standard care. Similar interventions may gain from a more individualized content, being integrated in to standard care and/or by using tracking of symptoms to adjust the content. Offering the IHCA closer to diagnosis may provide more benefits to users.
Clinical trial identification
NCT-01630681.
Editorial acknowledgement
Legal entity responsible for the study
Regional Committee for Research Ethics Sweden, Uppsala county (Dnr 2012/003/9).
Funding
Has not received any funding.
Disclosure
All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.
Resources from the same session
6042 - Harnessing nurse leadership to implement a project for electronic scheduling of chemotherapy
Presenter: Emma Masters
Session: Poster Display session 3
Resources:
Abstract
3123 - Turkish Cancer Patients’ Preference for Information and Communication Technologies
Presenter: Esra ildes
Session: Poster Display session 3
Resources:
Abstract
6062 - Unmet Needs in Oncology Research related to radiological response evaluation: a multi-center survey in three European countries
Presenter: Sophie Nisse Durgeat
Session: Poster Display session 3
Resources:
Abstract
6109 - A program implementation to facilitate intraoperative brachytherapy between hospitals
Presenter: Marc Garcia Casellas
Session: Poster Display session 3
Resources:
Abstract
1772 - Using Mobile-Based Health Care Applications Outcomes: Mini Systematic Review
Presenter: Aydanur Aydin
Session: Poster Display session 3
Resources:
Abstract
2792 - Evaluation of an education program for cancer patients receiving chemotherapy
Presenter: Iraqi Amina
Session: Poster Display session 3
Resources:
Abstract
3715 - iGestSaúde: Application for self-management of symptoms during chemotherapy treatment
Presenter: Bruno Magalhaes
Session: Poster Display session 3
Resources:
Abstract
3854 - Palliative care requirements of cancer patients and investigation of knowledge and expectations related to palliative care of the patients and their families
Presenter: Ozlem Topkaya
Session: Poster Display session 3
Resources:
Abstract
4997 - Hospice care, what to expect? An exploration of the expectation of future hospice patients
Presenter: Merel van Klinken
Session: Poster Display session 3
Resources:
Abstract
5822 - Greek nursing students experience facing death in clinical practice
Presenter: Maria Dimoula
Session: Poster Display session 3
Resources:
Abstract