Is quality cancer information available for consumers in New Zealand? A national stocktake and review of written consumer cancer information.

Aim: To review the quality of written consumer cancer information resources in New Zealand and to test a selection of quality tools.

Methods: A national stocktake of consumer cancer information resources available in New Zealand through health services and non-government organisations was completed. Using set criteria a selection of these resources was reviewed using three quality tools: DISCERN, EQIP and a cultural sensitivity tool.

Results: A total of 1445 cancer information resources were returned from 119 (23%) of the 521 organisations contacted for the stocktake in early 2006. The highest rates of return were from cancer-related non-governmental organisations and district health boards. Of the 1445 resources returned, 93 resources were identified for quality review using selected criteria. The resources were evaluated by teams of cancer information experts using three quality tools. The review teams were able to well utilise all three quality tools and to assess the applicability of each tool. The information resources reviewed were mainly of acceptable quality but lacked cross-cultural relevance and sensitivity.

Conclusion: Quality tools are useful for reviewing the accessibility, usability and reliability of written cancer-related information resources. There is a need to develop or adapt a quality tool to include components of cultural sensitivity. A national, systematic approach to developing and reviewing the quality of consumer cancer information is recommended.