A web based survey of healthcare provider and patient interests in the creation of future Internet based cancer information programs

Abstract

6124 Background: Although many web resources have been created for patients and healthcare providers, data regarding users desires for program content and ability to utilize broadband features are lacking. Methods: Between 5/03 and 10/03, 448 responders completed this internally validated survey placed on OncoLink, the Internet resource at the University of Pennyslvania. OncoLink maintains diverse multi-level content for both cancer patients and healthcare providers. It currently delivers 1–2 million pages to over 385,000 unique IP addresses monthly. Of the survey responders, 63% were 35–64 yrs, 314 (70%) were female, and 334 (75%) were from the US. The study included 121 (27%) healthcare providers and 327 (73%) patients/family/friends. The survey specifically asked users to rate the development priority of 18 different programs for cancer information on the web and rate the most important feature provided by websites. Results: Internet based cancer information was accessed at work and home by 50%, and at home only by 46%. Broadband access was available to 52%. The latest cancer news (44%) and latest cancer treatments (27%) were highest rated features when ranked by the single most important feature on cancer websites. When a variety of features were considered and ranked by priority, the highest scores were for new oncology product information (62%), ask the experts features (54%), interviews with oncology leaders (53%), journal scans (51%), and oncology conference reporting (46%). There were high priority scores from both groups for the development of broadband features such as video webcasting (41%). Healthcare providers were more likely to desire material related to conference reporting (59% vs 33%, p<0.001); patients were more likely to desire survivor stories (48% vs 35%, p<0.001), but no other significant differences were found. Conclusions: Patients and healthcare providers desire similar content development for cancer related information. Resources should be allocated by cancer information services for the development of broadband content. No significant financial relationships to disclose.