Cancer clinical trial patients in the information age - A pilot study

PURPOSE: The purpose of this pilot study was to explore the cancer clinical trial patient's perception and use of electronic information and communication. DESCRIPTIONOF STUDY: A total of 42 participants who self-reported they had enrolled, or were enrolled, in a cancer clinical trial completed a Web-based clinical trials survey questionnaire linked to a cancer-specific Web site. The questionnaire was used to obtain written responses to open-ended questions regarding the perception and use of electronic information and communication. RESULTS: The pilot study findings document that more than one third of the respondents use the Internet to seek clinical trials information. Results also describe the impact of the Internet in helping these patients to identify what questions to ask their healthcare providers. The findings underscore the desire of patients to communicate not only with others on the same clinical trial, but also with their healthcare providers via the Internet. CLINICAL DESCRIPTIONS: When providing care to cancer clinical trial patients in the information age, online information seeking and the desire for electronic communication must increasingly be knowledged, understood, and supported. A proactive and comprehensive approach to addressing patient information and support needs can facilitate patient empowerment and satisfaction.