Cancer-patients' and relatives’ needs for online information: quality evaluation and Influence on patient-doctors’ relationships

Abstract

Cancer as a major source of distress for patients and their relatives is associated with a strong need for information. The Internet has become the primary source of health-related information. However, there are increasing concerns about the quality of health-related information on Internet and about the ability of patients to interpret the information provided online. Little is known about the influence of the information retrieved online on the patient-physician’ s relationship. Our aim is to evaluate the specific needs for and satisfaction with online information in cancer patients (CPG), patients’ relatives (PRG) and health professionals (HPG). Computerized questionnaire assessing the need for cancer-related information, the satisfaction with the information and the quality of patient-physician communication were completed by 56 cancer adult patients (82% female), 48 cancer patients’ relatives (73% female) and 36 healthcare professionals (73% female) in a cross-sectional design. Groups are independent. The core motivation for searching information in CPG and PRG was to be actively engaged in the treatment. However, both groups reported poor satisfaction and stress during Internet exploration. HPG reported lacking confidence in the quality and accuracy of online information and a lack of evaluation tools. CPG showed good satisfaction and trust with physicians, but reported that physicians rarely propose external resources for searching relevant information. In turn, HPG reported a need to protect CPG from disappointment and stress. The results highlight the importance of developing ready-to-use and trustful tools for Internet exploration about cancer for patients, their relatives, but also for healthcare professionals.