title: The information needs and media preferences of Canadian cancer specialists regarding breast cancer treatment related arm morbidity.
abstract: The information needs and media preferences of Canadian cancer specialists regarding breast cancer treatment related arm morbidity. Breast cancer treatment related arm morbidity is a common but pernicious condition that is under-recognised, under-diagnosed, and can result in long-term impairment and disability. Despite the prevalence of this condition, little is known about breast cancer specialists' information needs and media preferences around this issue. In-depth telephone interviews with 14 Canadian cancer specialists were conducted, and were coded and analysed using a grounded theory approach. Findings revealed that cancer specialists were open to receiving all types of information about treatment related arm morbidity, and have preferences for particular types of media formats. However, barriers that could problematise the uptake of research findings into clinical practice were also noted and included gaps in specialists' knowledge of the complex nature of treatment related lymphoedema. Hence providing specialists with summary information about arm morbidity will not suffice, and an educational campaign around this condition, including the importance of physician vigilance in regularly monitoring patients for early and latent indications of this morbidity may be necessary.
authors: Department of Sociology, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
authors: R M
authors: RM
authors: Shaw
authors: R
authors: R
authors: Thomas
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001132:Arm; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy*; D002170:Canada; D003146:Communications Media / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D004502:Education, Medical, Continuing / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D066296:Grounded Theory; D006801:Humans; D033181:Information Dissemination / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009140:Musculoskeletal Diseases / Q000209:etiology*; D020380:Needs Assessment; D036301:Qualitative Research; D013038:Specialization; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
keywords: arm morbidity; breast cancer; cancer specialists; continuing care; information needs; treatment related side effects