The current study reports findings from evaluation research conducted to identify how online prostate cancer treatment decision-making information can be both improved and more effectively disseminated to those who need it most.
A multi-method, multi-target approach was used and guided by McGuire's Communication Matrix Model. Focus groups (n = 31) with prostate cancer patients and their family members, and in-depth interviews with physicians (n = 8), helped inform a web survey (n = 89). Results indicated that physicians remain a key information source for medical advice and the Internet is a primary channel used to help make informed prostate cancer treatment decisions. Participants reported a need for more accessible information related to treatment options and treatment side effects. Additionally, physicians indicated that the best way for agencies to reach them with new information to deliver to patients is by contacting them directly and meeting with them one-on-one. Advice for organizations to improve their current prostate cancer web offerings and further ways to improve information dissemination are discussed.
Written by:
Silk KJ, Perrault EK, Nazione S, Pace K, Hager P, Springer S. Are you the author?
Michigan State University, 404 Wilson Road-CAS 477, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA.
Reference: J Cancer Educ. 2013 Aug 2. Epub ahead of print.
doi: 10.1007/s13187-013-0515-8
PubMed Abstract
PMID: 23907786
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