title: The role of helplines in cancer care: intertwining emotional support with information or advice-seeking needs.
abstract: Helplines are core feature of the contemporary U.K. health care system, however little is known about callers' experiences of seeking cancer-related telephone help. Qualitative interviews were conducted with 32 cancer helpline callers. The findings suggest cancer helplines offer callers (1) time to discuss their issues, (2) anonymity, (3) convenience, and (4) an open outlet for anyone affected by cancer including family/friends. Further, the findings highlighted that callers' help-seeking behavior was multifaceted, with their psychosocial needs being intrinsically intertwined with their information or advice-seeking needs. The implications are discussed in relation to the role of cancer helplines in the healthcare system.
authors.affiliation: a School of Health and Rehabilitation Science , The University of Queensland , Queensland , Australia.
authors.forename: Katie
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Ekberg
authors.forename: Joanne
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: McDermott
authors.forename: Clare
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Moynihan
authors.forename: Lucy
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Brindle
authors.forename: Paul
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Little
authors.forename: Geraldine M
authors.initials: GM
authors.lastname: Leydon
mesh_terms: D001294:Attitude to Health; D003376:Counseling; D003695:Delivery of Health Care / Q000458:organization & administration*; D005260:Female; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D015277:Hotlines; D006801:Humans; D057226:Information Seeking Behavior; D007255:Information Services; D008297:Male; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy*; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012944:Social Support; D006113:United Kingdom
keywords: callers’ perceptions; cancer helpline; cancer information; psychosocial support; telemedicine