title: Internet use by hospice families and providers: a review.
abstract: This literature review explores the current evidence related to use of the Internet by hospice patients or families and palliative care/hospice professionals. The research questions guiding this study pertain to the current Internet-based interventions in hospice and palliative care and the evidence of their effectiveness. Six studies were identified as a result of an extensive literature review. These studies included research about web-based clinical interventions for patients, and patients', caregivers' and hospice/palliative care providers' use of the Internet. The majority of interventions involve accessing information via the Internet. Participants among the studies included patients, caregivers/family members, and health care professionals. Findings overall indicate effectiveness of Internet-based interventions. Both patients and professionals are using the Internet to find answers to healthcare questions, communicate, and/or deliver healthcare interventions.
authors.affiliation: University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, MO 65211-2060, USA.
authors.forename: Lia
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Willis
authors.forename: George
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Demiris
authors.forename: Debra Parker
authors.initials: DP
authors.lastname: Oliver
mesh_terms: D005190:Family; D017051:Hospice Care / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D010166:Palliative Care / Q000458:organization & administration; D011368:Professional-Family Relations; D017216:Telemedicine / Q000379:methods