Decision on Fertility Preservation in Cancer Patients: Development of Information Materials for Healthcare Professionals

Patients’ online access to their EHR together with the rapid proliferation of medical information on the Internet has changed how patients use information to learn about their health. Patients’ tendency to turn to the Internet to find information about their health and care is well-documented. However, little is known about patients’ information seeking behavior when using online EHRs. By using information horizons as an analytical tool this paper aims to investigate the information behavior of cancer patients who have chosen to view their EHRs (readers) and to those who have not made that option (non-readers). Thirty interviews were conducted with patients. Based on information horizons, it seems that non-reading is associated with living in a narrower information world in comparison to readers. The findings do not suggest that the smallness would be a result of active avoidance of information, or that it would be counterproductive for the patients. The findings suggest, however, that EHRs would benefit from comprehensive linking to authoritative health information sources to help users to understand their contents. In parallel, healthcare professionals should be more aware of their personal role as a key source of health information to those who choose not to read their EHRs.

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The Supportive Care Needs of Cancer Patients: a Systematic Review

Journal of Cancer Education ◽

10.1007/s13187-020-01941-9 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Madeleine Evans Webb ◽

Elizabeth Murray ◽

Zane William Younger ◽

Henry Goodfellow ◽

Jamie Ross

Keyword(s):

Cancer Patients ◽

Healthcare Professionals ◽

Treatment Options ◽

Complex Nature ◽

Narrative Synthesis ◽

Care Needs ◽

Wide Range ◽

Need Support ◽

Lack Of Control ◽

Everyday Work

AbstractCancer, and the complex nature of treatment, has a profound impact on lives of patients and their families. Subsequently, cancer patients have a wide range of needs. This study aims to identify and synthesise cancer patients’ views about areas where they need support throughout their care. A systematic search of the literature from PsycInfo, Embase and Medline databases was conducted, and a narrative. Synthesis of results was carried out using the Corbin & Strauss “3 lines of work” framework. For each line of work, a group of key common needs were identified. For illness-work, the key needs idenitified were; understanding their illness and treatment options, knowing what to expect, communication with healthcare professionals, and staying well. In regards to everyday work, patients wanted to maintain a sense of normalcy and look after their loved ones. For biographical work, patients commonly struggled with the emotion impact of illness and a lack of control over their lives. Spiritual, sexual and financial problems were less universal. For some types of support, demographic factors influenced the level of need reported. While all patients are unique, there are a clear set of issues that are common to a majority of cancer journeys. To improve care, these needs should be prioritised by healthcare practitioners.

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Fertility Preservation Decision-Making Communication between Young Adult Cancer Patients and Their Romantic Partners: An Application of the DECIDE Typology

Health Communication ◽

10.1080/10410236.2020.1868065 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-12 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Nicholas T. Iannarino ◽

Angela L. Palmer-Wackerly

Keyword(s):

Decision Making ◽

Young Adult ◽

Cancer Patients ◽

Fertility Preservation ◽

Romantic Partners ◽

Young Adult Cancer

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