A nurse-led e-mail service for breast cancer information.
OBJECTIVE
To discover why people access the web-based 'Ask the nurse' service, what type of information they require and their overall level of satisfaction.


METHODS
A prospective sample of users was invited to respond to an e-mail questionnaire.


RESULTS
The results show the service is being used not only by people seeking clarity before or after diagnosis and treatment, but is also used by many people as an alternative to visiting a health care professional (GP or other doctor or breast care nurse). Indeed, 36 per cent of people in this study did not appear to know who else to ask, while others found the service accessible because they found it easy and convenient.


CONCLUSIONS
E-mail communication has advantages, but health care professionals need to be aware of potential problems before offering this type of communication to their patients.
Leadbeater
Maria
M
Breast Cancer Care.
D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000451:nursing*; D034742:Electronic Mail; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007255:Information Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D020380:Needs Assessment; D009739:Nursing Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000379:methods*; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D015397:Program Evaluation; D011446:Prospective Studies; D006113:United Kingdom