A pilot project of a cancer patient library in Italy: results of a customer-satisfaction survey and its products.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study is to determine the degree of satisfaction of users of the Cancer Information Point section of the Library for Patients (CIP-LP), active since 1998 at the National Cancer Institute of Aviano, Italy. The CIP-LP is based on a skilled intermediary, adequate informative material and a specific location, within the Scientific Library of the Institute.


METHODS
A survey was developed to assess service functionality and quality from the users' viewpoint. During a 6-month period, a questionnaire was mailed to 194 patients and relatives who previously used the CIP-LP; 113 (58%) were returned and processed.


RESULTS
Of the respondents, 91% were pleased with the CIP-LP and 95% would recommend the service to other people. The information obtained contributed to a clearer understanding of the illness and treatment (45% as first answer) and a better control of the situation (33%). Fifty-one per cent evaluated the information received as 'good', 42%'excellent' and 4%'of sufficient quality'.


CONCLUSIONS
This survey shows the appreciation and usefulness in the users' perception of a specific hospital library for cancer patients and their relatives, providing an information service supplementary to doctor-patient communication.
Truccolo
Ivana
I
Scientific and Patient Libraries, CRO Aviano National Cancer Institute, Aviano, Italy. itruccolo@cro.it
Bianchet
Katia
K
Capello
Fabia
F
Russell-Edu
William
W
Dal Maso
Luigino
L
Colombatti
Alfonso
A
Ciolfi
Laura
L
Tirelli
Umberto
U
De Paoli
Paolo
P
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D033181:Information Dissemination / Q000379:methods; D007255:Information Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D007558:Italy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000628:therapy*; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D017060:Patient Satisfaction / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D010549:Personal Satisfaction; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires