Health Technology Readiness amongst Patients with Suspected Breast Cancer Using the READHY-tool - a Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

Information technologies are increasingly used when informing patients about their disease, treatment and prognosis. These digital platforms have many advantages compared to traditional education interventions. However, there are concerns that some patients may have difficulty with this mode of information delivery. Newly diagnosed breast cancer patients are dependent on understanding their treatment options to make informed treatment decisions. Yet, there is a lack of published material on breast cancer patients and their relationship with technology. We aimed to assess health technology readiness profiles amongst women with a suspected breast cancer diagnosis. Secondly, we wanted to investigate the potential differences between these profiles according to sociodemographic factors and the patients´ current use of technology. This cross-sectional study used the Readiness and Enablement Index for Health Technology (READHY) questionnaire. We included all patients (n = 92) referred to our department with suspected breast cancer. Cluster analysis revealed three distinct profiles: medium (n = 54), high (n = 18), and low (n = 20) health technology readiness. The third profile showed difficulties in health literacy, eHealth literacy, and health insights, along with higher emotional stress. Our study found that most patients had medium to high health technology readiness, but we also identified a group with lower health technology readiness. Based on our results, healthcare personnel dealing with women with suspected breast cancer should be aware of patients struggling with health technology. Age and technology familiarity may indicate vulnerable patients. Future studies should explore optimal methods for information delivery to these distinct profiles and evaluate the long-term impacts.