Abstract CN7
Background
For women diagnosed with breast cancer, radiation therapy (RT) is one of several treatment modalities offered. Most women express a desire for information before the treatment enabling them to prepare and feel safe. This need of information continues throughout the RT. Difficulties to assimilate health information gained from reading, personal meetings, or digital technology may relate to lower health literacy (HL). HL is a dynamic concept that encompasses skills such as reading and interpret information about one's health. Digital technology offers innovative ways to gain information. To facilitate relevance and reach of science it must be evaluated before implementation. The women participating in this study had access to a new digital information tool, Digi-Do. The Digi-Do comprises two separate but coherent applications for mobile devises: One virtual reality (VR) application, with a guided tour of the RT-department and an information application with focus on cancer and RT. The aim of the study was to illuminate the experience of digital versus analog ways of seeking and assimilate information for women diagnosed with breast cancer.
Methods
A qualitative design with a deductive approach with based on the different dimensions of HL was employed. Semi-structured interviews with 15 women after completion of RT was performed and analysed with qualitative and quantitative content analysis.
Results
Following categories emerged; perception of assurance and support; knowledge and control; information through digital technology. Additional aspects that emerge will be categorised and presented to contribute to a greater understanding of information seeking behaviours and needs of women diagnosed with breast cancer as well as to ensure acquisition of quality information.
Conclusions
Digital technology presents innovative ways to support information tailored to person’s needs before commencing RT. Majority of women participating in the study preferred a combination of digital technology with analogue patient information to gain knowledge about health and RT. Although, the personal meeting was favoured, Digi-Do was recognised as a valuable complement.
Clinical trial identification
The study received ethical approval from the Swedish Ethical Review Authority (Dnr 2020-00170).
Editorial acknowledgement
Legal entity responsible for the study
Legal Entity: Jönköping University, Coordination and running of the study: Research lead Maria Brovall & Frida Smith, coordination and running of study Doctoral student Annika Grynne.
Funding
Funders of the research project and Research nurses are Regional Cancer Centrum Väst, Chalmers Innovation Office, Knut & Ragnvi Jacobssons foundation.
Disclosure
All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.