title: Home Internet use among hospice service recipients: recommendations for Web-based interventions.
abstract: A growing number of researchers are exploring strategies to improve hospice care through the use of web-based technologies. This study of 50 hospice patients and caregivers was conducted in order to obtain data describing home Internet use among hospice service recipients. Over half (58%) of respondents reported having home Internet access, with most using a dial-up connection. Primary reasons for accessing the web included e-mail and information searches. Findings suggest that the hospice industry should explore adopting web-based technologies as a strategy to enhance rather than replace traditional care. Providers must consider the strengths and potential limitations of patients and caregivers when designing online services. Specific recommendations for web-based hospice interventions are discussed at length.
authors.affiliation: School of Social Work, University of Missouri-Columbia, 724 Clark Hall, Columbia, MO 65211, USA. washingtonkt@missouri.edu
authors.forename: Karla T
authors.initials: KT
authors.lastname: Washington
authors.forename: George
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Demiris
authors.forename: Debra Parker
authors.initials: DP
authors.lastname: Oliver
authors.forename: Michele
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Day
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D017028:Caregivers; D003142:Communication; D005260:Female; D017051:Hospice Care; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000379:methods; D010361:Patients