Accepted for/Published in: Journal of Medical Internet Research
Date Submitted: Aug 14, 2020
Date Accepted: May 24, 2021
Cancer patients searching for cancer- or health-specific online information: A qualitative analysis of navigation strategies and problems when using the Internet
ABSTRACT
Background:
Searching the Internet for cancer-related information helps cancer patients satisfy their unmet information needs and empower them to play a more active role in the management of their disease. However, to benefit from the search, patients need a sufficient level of skills to search, select, appraise, and apply online health information.
Objective:
To study the operational, navigation, information, and evaluation skills and problems of cancer patients performing cancer-related search tasks using the Internet.
Methods:
Twenty-one cancer patients were recruited during their stay at the rehabilitation clinic for oncological rehabilitation. The participants performed eight cancer-related search tasks using the Internet. The participants were asked to think aloud while performing the tasks, and screen activities were recorded. The types and frequency of performance problems were identified and coded into categories following an inductive coding process. Additionally, the performance and strategic characteristics of task execution were summarized descriptively.
Results:
All the participants experienced problems or difficulties executing the tasks, and a substantial percentage of tasks (40%) could not be completed successfully. The participants’ performance problems were coded into four categories: (1) operating the computer and web browser, (2) navigating and orientating, (3) utilizing search strategies, and (4) evaluating the relevance and reliability of online information. The most frequent problems occurred in the third and fourth categories. Nineteen (90%) participants used nontask-related search terms or nonspecific search terms. Twenty (95%) participants never controlled the source or topicality of the found information. Additionally, none of the participants verified the information on one website with that on another website for each task.
Conclusions:
A substantial group of cancer patients did not have the necessary skills to benefit from cancer-related Internet searching. Future interventions are needed to support patients in the development of sufficient Internet searching skills, focusing particularly on information and evaluation skills.
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