Online Cancer Services: Types of Services Offered and Associated Health Outcomes
2005

Online Cancer Services: Types of Services Offered and Associated Health Outcomes

publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Gary C Doolittle, Ashley Spaulding

Primary Institution: University of Kansas Medical Center

Hypothesis

What are the health outcomes associated with the utilization of online cancer services?

Conclusion

Utilizing online health services can provide benefits for cancer patients, but it can also lead to confusion and misinformation.

Supporting Evidence

  • 39% of individuals living with cancer use the Internet for health information.
  • Patients who use the Internet for medical information report feeling more supported and less lonely.
  • Online support groups can help reduce depression and stress in cancer patients.

Takeaway

This study looks at how cancer patients use the internet for health information and support, which can help them but can also be confusing.

Limitations

The study acknowledges that online health services can sometimes provide conflicting or incorrect information.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.2196/jmir.7.3.e35

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