Effect of different forms of information produced for cancer patients on their use of the information, social support, and anxiety: randomised trial.

Objective: To explore the hypothesis that different methods of selecting and printing information for cancer patients could improve emotional support by affecting interaction with others, and so lead to improved psychological wellbeing.

Design: Randomised trial with eight groups (three factors, 2x2x2). Data collected at recruitment and three month follow-up.

How should we evaluate patient access to their own records? An example with cancer patients in Scotland.

Government policy in many European countries now assumes that patients should have access to their own medical records. Increasingly such access can be used as one method of tailoring a wide range of information to the patient. Process evaluation, to ensure that human computer interfaces of such systems are appropriate, is needed during their design and implementation.

Does writing a list help cancer patients ask relevant questions?

We examined the use of written lists to give patients an opportunity to have their questions answered. Patients undergoing radical radiotherapy for cancer were given a sheet of paper with the simple prompt to write questions and give to the hospital doctor at their appointment 3 weeks later. At 3 months, patients were asked about their use and opinions of the written list.

The accessibility of computer-based health information for patients: kiosks and the web.

The Internet is a rich source of health information but it is not as accessible as many claim. This paper brings together three projects to illustrate technical and cost barriers and some options to overcome them. (1) A survey amongst a representative sample of 180 patients in rural Spain showed a marked age gradient in computer access.

The accessibility of information systems for patients: use of touchscreen information systems by 345 patients with cancer in Scotland.

Aim: To examine cancer patients' use, and satisfaction with touchscreen information systems. By examining the experience of subgroups, to address issues of equality of access.

Patients: 345 patients starting radiotherapy at the Beatson Oncology Centre (BOC), Glasgow.