title: An Internet method to assess cancer patient information needs and enhance doctor-patient communication: a pilot study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  We previously reported that doctor-patient communication in the cancer context may be suboptimal. We therefore developed measures to assess patient communication preferences and established feasibility of an Internet-based intervention to improve communication.
  
  
  METHODS
  Cancer patients completed an Internet-based survey about communication preferences, with a summary provided to the physician before the consultation. Patients completed a follow-up survey to assess consultation content and satisfaction.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Study procedures were feasible, measures exhibited strong internal consistency, and patients expressed satisfaction with the intervention.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The Internet offers an opportunity to assess patient preferences and prompt physicians about individual patient informational needs prior to the clinical encounter.
authors: Fox Chase Cancer Center, Divisions of Population Science, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
authors: Joanne S
authors: JS
authors: Buzaglo
authors: Jennifer L
authors: JL
authors: Millard
authors: Caroline G
authors: CG
authors: Ridgway
authors: Eric A
authors: EA
authors: Ross
authors: Susan P
authors: SP
authors: Antaramian
authors: Suzanne M
authors: SM
authors: Miller
authors: Neal J
authors: NJ
authors: Meropol
mesh_terms: D003142:Communication; D054626:Consumer Health Information; D003657:Decision Making; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D020380:Needs Assessment; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D010549:Personal Satisfaction; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012017:Referral and Consultation