Abstract
Background
The uses of internet-based technologies (e.g. patient portals, websites and applications)
by cancer patients could be strong drive for change in cancer care coordination practices.
The goal of this study was to assess the current utilisation of internet-based technologies
(IBT) among cancer patients, and their willingness to use them for their health, as
well as analyse the influence of socio-demographics on both aspects.
Methods
A questionnaire-based survey was conducted in June 2013, over seven non-consecutive
days within seven outpatient departments of Gustave Roussy, a comprehensive cancer
centre (≈160,000 consultations yearly), located just outside Paris. We computed descriptive
statistics and performed correlation analysis to investigate patients’ usage and attitudes
in correspondence with age, gender, socioeconomic status, social isolation, and place
of living. We then conducted multinomial logistic regressions using R.
Results
The participation level was 85% (n = 1371). The median age was 53.4. 71% used a mobile phone everyday and 93% had access
to Internet from home. Age and socioeconomic status were negatively associated with
the use of IBT (p < 0.001). Regarding patients’ expected benefits, a wide majority valued its use in health
care, and especially, the possibility to enhance communication with providers. 84%
of patients reported feeling comfortable with the use of such technologies but age
and socioeconomic status had a significant influence.
Conclusion
Most patients used IBTs every day. Overall, patients advocated for an extended use
of IBT in oncology. Differences in perceived ease of use corresponding to age and
socioeconomic status have to be addressed.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: February 04, 2015
Accepted:
December 2,
2014
Received in revised form:
December 2,
2014
Received:
September 10,
2014
Identification
Copyright
© 2014 Elsevier Ltd. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
