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The role of Internet cancer information for older adults with cancer: Perspectives of older adults and healthcare professionals
Author(s) -
Haase Kristen R.,
Sattar Schroder,
Holtslander Lorraine,
Thomas Roanne
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
international journal of older people nursing
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.707
H-Index - 29
eISSN - 1748-3743
pISSN - 1748-3735
DOI - 10.1111/opn.12303
Subject(s) - the internet , thematic analysis , health care , cancer , focus group , feeling , medicine , qualitative research , health professionals , family medicine , gerontology , psychology , nursing , social psychology , world wide web , business , sociology , political science , social science , marketing , computer science , law
Abstract Objective Older adults with cancer have unique information and supportive care needs. There is a growing body of literature regarding the use of Internet health information, but less is known about the use of the Internet for cancer information amongst older adults with cancer. Materials and methods This is a secondary analysis of qualitative data from a mixed‐methods study of the use of cancer‐related Internet information amongst adults with cancer. In the present study, we include transcripts from two samples: 34 interviews with adults over age 55 ( n = 17) with cancer, and interviews and focus groups with healthcare professionals ( n = 21). Data were analysed using thematic analysis with an interest in age‐related themes. Results Our findings are grouped into three main themes: (a) independently augmenting healthcare services and supports; (b) supporting and situating information; and (c) mobilising family and support networks. Patients and healthcare providers described cancer‐related Internet information as a beneficial resource to address gaps in information and supplement information from healthcare professionals from diagnosis and throughout treatment. Older adults reported using cancer‐related Internet information to manage their cancer experience, although sometimes feeling technologically hesitant. However, healthcare professionals felt older adults were less likely than younger patients to seek cancer information from the Internet. Conclusion The use of cancer‐related Internet information is growing amongst older adults with cancer. Older adults mobilise technology uniquely. Healthcare professionals can support these efforts by being aware and through initiating dialogue about information preferences.