JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Background:

eHealth interventions may represent a way forward in following up colorectal cancer (CRC) patients’ post-hospital discharge, to support the patients in coping with the illness, and to strengthen their self-management and increase their quality of life. By involving the end users of eHealth in co-creation processes when designing eHealth solutions, an acceptable and relevant product can be secured. Stakeholders’ perspectives could aid the closing of the gap between research-developed products and the implementation of eHealth services in real-life scenarios.

Objective:

The objective of this study was to explore the views of CRC patients, their informal carers and health care professionals on information technology and the design of eHealth support in CRC care.

Methods:

A qualitative, explorative design was applied to perform 30 semi-structured individual interviews with thirteen CRC patients, nine informal carers and nine health care professionals recruited via a gastro-surgical ward at a university hospital in south-western Norway. A semi-structured interview guide was used for data collection, and data was analyzed by systematic text condensation.

Results:

Participants described the diverse experiences of CRC patients seeking information online. Age and technology competence were highlighted as influencers of the use of information technology. Patients rarely received advice from health care professionals about relevant and secure websites containing information on CRC diagnosis and treatments. Features of desired eHealth interventions in following up CRC patients were patient education, monitoring of health, and communication with health care professionals.

Conclusions:

Several elements affect the activities of CRC patients seeking health information. Age, inexperience of computer technology, and lack of facility in accessing online resources of health information may reduce the CRC patient’s ability to engage in decision-making processes regarding illness and treatment. An eHealth service for CRC patients should may comprise features for information, education and support for self-management, and should aim to be individually adapted to the patient’s age and technology competence. Involving the end users of eHealth services is necessary to ensure tailored services of high quality that are perceived as user-friendly and relevant to the end-users. Clinical Trial: Not applicable