OBJECTIVE: To develop a Web-based resource for families of children newly diagnosed with cancer and examine the viability of this modality of providing support. METHODS: Twenty-one children (8-17 years) newly diagnosed with cancer and their families were enrolled. Quantitative data on Web site utilization and frequency of accessing specific sections and qualitative data on participant satisfaction are reported. RESULTS: Twenty-one families comprising 51 participants (children with cancer, parents, and siblings) had access to the Web site. Utilization was lower than anticipated, with members of only nine families accessing the site. The majority of these hits were on peer discussion groups. CONCLUSION: Further research is warranted to examine whether the Internet is a viable method of delivering support to families affected by childhood cancer. The current pattern of results suggests that the timing of its introduction and the method used to train families may affect utilization.
OBJECTIVE: To develop a Web-based resource for families of children newly diagnosed with cancer and examine the viability of this modality of providing support. METHODS: Twenty-one children (8-17 years) newly diagnosed with cancer and their families were enrolled. Quantitative data on Web site utilization and frequency of accessing specific sections and qualitative data on participant satisfaction are reported. RESULTS: Twenty-one families comprising 51 participants (children with cancer, parents, and siblings) had access to the Web site. Utilization was lower than anticipated, with members of only nine families accessing the site. The majority of these hits were on peer discussion groups. CONCLUSION: Further research is warranted to examine whether the Internet is a viable method of delivering support to families affected by childhood cancer. The current pattern of results suggests that the timing of its introduction and the method used to train families may affect utilization.
Authors: David H Gustafson; Robert P Hawkins; Eric W Boberg; Fiona McTavish; Betta Owens; Meg Wise; Haile Berhe; Suzanne Pingree Journal: Int J Med Inform Date: 2002-11-12 Impact factor: 4.046
Authors: D R DeMaso; J Gonzalez-Heydrich; J D Erickson; V P Grimes; C Strohecker Journal: J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry Date: 2000-06 Impact factor: 8.829
Authors: Grayson N Holmbeck; Ann I Alriksson-Schmidt; Melissa H Bellin; Cecily Betz; Katie A Devine Journal: Pediatr Clin North Am Date: 2010-08 Impact factor: 3.278