title: Prerequisites required for the provision and use of web-based communication for psychosocial support in haematologic care.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this study was to describe the prerequisites required for the provision and use of web-based communication for psychosocial support within a haematology clinic, from a patient and family perspective.
  
  
  METHODS
  A qualitative design using content analysis was used. A strategically selected sample of patients (n = 11) and family members (n = 6) were offered access to a web-based communication capability with a nurse. After four months, individual interviews were conducted with all participants, in order to identify necessary prerequisites.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Preferences and characteristics of the individual patient or family member are crucial as to whether web-based communication for support is perceived as useful. To feel comfortable with writing and to self-identify the need for support are fundamental in getting motivated to use web-based communication. An effective organization around psychosocial support in general is another prerequisite. Goals and responsibilities must be clearly defined for patients and family members to understand their rights and enable the transformation of opportunities into practice. The use of web-based communication must also be a convenient and naturally incorporated part of both individual and organizational use of the web in general.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Prerequisites of taking into account caretakers' different preferences and needs, providing highly structured psychosocial support activities and providing a congruent range of web services, are necessary for successful provision and use of web-based communication for psychosocial support.
authors: School of Health Science, University of Borås, BOX 111, SE-501 90 Borås, Sweden; School of Health Science, Jönköping University, Sweden. Electronic address: karin.hogberg@hb.se.
authors: K
authors: K
authors: Högberg
authors: L
authors: L
authors: Sandman
authors: M
authors: M
authors: Nyström
authors: D
authors: D
authors: Stockelberg
authors: A
authors: A
authors: Broström
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003142:Communication; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005190:Family; D005260:Female; D019337:Hematologic Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000451:nursing*; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009723:Nurse-Patient Relations; D009859:Oncology Nursing / Q000379:methods; D005791:Patient Care / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D018579:Patient Selection; D011368:Professional-Family Relations; D011584:Psychology; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Cancer; Communication; Haematology; Internet; Social support; Supportive care