Brief report: A pilot study of a web-based resource for families of children with cancer.
OBJECTIVE
To develop a Web-based resource for families of children newly diagnosed with cancer and examine the viability of this modality of providing support.


METHODS
Twenty-one children (8-17 years) newly diagnosed with cancer and their families were enrolled. Quantitative data on Web site utilization and frequency of accessing specific sections and qualitative data on participant satisfaction are reported.


RESULTS
Twenty-one families comprising 51 participants (children with cancer, parents, and siblings) had access to the Web site. Utilization was lower than anticipated, with members of only nine families accessing the site. The majority of these hits were on peer discussion groups.


CONCLUSIONS
Further research is warranted to examine whether the Internet is a viable method of delivering support to families affected by childhood cancer. The current pattern of results suggests that the timing of its introduction and the method used to train families may affect utilization.
Ewing
Linda J
LJ
PhD, RN, Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, 3811 O'Hara Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA. ewinglj@upmc.edu
Long
Kristin
K
Rotondi
Armando
A
Howe
Chelsea
C
Bill
Lauren
L
Marsland
Anna L
AL
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000379:methods; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D008297:Male; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D010290:Parents / Q000193:education*; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000379:methods*; D010361:Patients / Q000523:psychology*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D035781:Siblings
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