Abstract P2-10-05: eHealth in modern breast cancer treatment: New possibilities in communication between patients, doctors and nursing staff
Authors: Wuerstlein Rachel , Kirkovits Thomas , Drewes Caroline , Schiltz Daniel , Bauerfeind Ingo , Haidinger Renate , Paradies Kerstin , Goldmann-Posch Ursula , Schinkoethe Timo , Harbeck Nadia 
Published: May 2015

Introduction:

Lack of compliance and adherence in oral and s.c. treatment of breast cancer (BC) are huge problems leading to significant impacts in morbidity and mortality. During long term treatment, constant patient contact can’t be secured and possible side effects not be treated adequately. Where conventional mailing systems failed, as reported in the PACT program, eHealth could be a possible solution to increase adherence among patients and to ameliorate the communication between patients, oncologist and nurses.

The objective of this study is to investigate the actual internet usage habits and property of new media among BC patients, their oncologists and the nursing staff to find new possible ways to improve compliance and adherence in long term treatment.

Methods:

By using 3 different questionnaires (33 items), the actual usage of internet and modern media among BC patients and their healthcare professionals (oncologists and nursing staff) is surveyed. Also, the equipment of media (computer, smartphone, etc.) in private as well as in business use is investigated. Huge care and attention is given to possible future eHealth systems for additional patient support. The collected data also includes age, sex, workplace and, in case of medical professionals, their emphasis.

Patients completed the questionnaire at two patient conventions and before consultations, oncologists and nurses were asked to answer the questionnaire at several local BC meetings.

Results:

631 patients, 120 oncologists and 96 nurses completed the questionnaire in 2013.

The internet usage in general and for health related issues is very high among all three subgroups (patients: 93% and 77%, respectively; oncologists: 100% and 98%; nurses: 92% and 93%). Among patients, even above age 60, 51% report to use the internet every day. Taking a look at participant’s equipment of new media, the property of a personal computer is very high (78%; 99%; 95%).

Medical professionals as well as the majority of patients can imagine getting additional support during long term therapy using eHealth technologies (e.g. for monitoring of and interventions concerning side effects) (see table).

Discussion:

This survey, which is the first BC specific study representing internet usage habits among BC patients and their medical professionals, shows high acceptance of new interactive ways of communication between patients, doctors and nurses who are all taking part in treatment of BC. Introducing eHealth may help increase compliance and improve and individualize the doctor-patient-relationship which will possibly lead to decreased mortality and higher patient and staff satisfaction.

Table 1 PatientsDoctorsNursing StaffNumber of participants63112096Internet usage in general92.7% (495/534)100% (119/119)91.7% (88/96)Property of media:PC77.7% (490/631)99.2% (119/120)94.8% (91/96)Smartphone25.5% (161/631)70.8% (85/120)45.8% (44/96)Wish for additional patient support:via Internet53.8% (276/513)66.4% (79/119)56.8% (54/95)via Smartphone24.2% (119/49251.3% (60/117)31.1% (28/90)Registration of side effects via electronic devices41.1% (204/497)71.2% (84/118)56.1% (51/91)

Citation Format: Rachel Wuerstlein, Thomas Kirkovits, Caroline Drewes, Daniel Schiltz, Ingo Bauerfeind, Renate Haidinger, Kerstin Paradies, Ursula Goldmann-Posch, Timo Schinkoethe, Nadia Harbeck. eHealth in modern breast cancer treatment: New possibilities in communication between patients, doctors and nursing staff [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Thirty-Seventh Annual CTRC-AACR San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium: 2014 Dec 9-13; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(9 Suppl):Abstract nr P2-10-05.