title: Keep in touch (KIT): perspectives on introducing internet-based communication and information technologies in palliative care.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Hospitalized palliative patients need to keep in touch with their loved ones. Regular social contact may be especially difficult for individuals on palliative care in-patient units due to the isolating nature of hospital settings. Technology can help mitigate isolation by facilitating social connection. This study aimed to explore the acceptability of introducing internet-based communication and information technologies for patients on a palliative care in-patient unit.
  
  
  METHODS
  In the first phase of the Keep in Touch (KIT) project, a diverse group of key informants were consulted regarding their perspectives on web-based communication on in-patient palliative care units. Participants included palliative patients, family members, direct care providers, communication and information technology experts, and institutional administrators. Data was collected through focus groups, interviews and drop-in consultations, and was analyzed for themes, consensus, and major differences across participant groups.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Hospitalized palliative patients and their family members described the challenges of keeping in touch with family and friends. Participants identified numerous examples of ways that communication and information technologies could benefit patients' quality of life and care. Patients and family members saw few drawbacks associated with the use of such technology. While generally supportive, direct care providers were concerned that patient requests for assistance in using the technology would place increased demands on their time. Administrators and IT experts recognized issues such as privacy and costs related to offering these technologies throughout an organization and in the larger health care system.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study affirmed the acceptability of offering internet-based communication and information technologies on palliative care in-patient units. It provides the foundation for trialing these technologies on a palliative in-patient unit. Further study is needed to confirm the feasibility of offering these technologies at the bedside.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada.|Manitoba Palliative Care Research Unit, CancerCare Manitoba, 3017-675 McDermot Ave, Winnipeg, R3E 0V9, MB, Canada.
authors.forename: Qiaohong
authors.initials: Q
authors.lastname: Guo
authors.affiliation: Manitoba Palliative Care Research Unit, CancerCare Manitoba, 3017-675 McDermot Ave, Winnipeg, R3E 0V9, MB, Canada.
authors.forename: Beverley
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Cann
authors.affiliation: Manitoba Palliative Care Research Unit, CancerCare Manitoba, 3017-675 McDermot Ave, Winnipeg, R3E 0V9, MB, Canada.|College of Nursing, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada.
authors.forename: Susan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: McClement
authors.affiliation: Manitoba Palliative Care Research Unit, CancerCare Manitoba, 3017-675 McDermot Ave, Winnipeg, R3E 0V9, MB, Canada.|College of Nursing, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada.
authors.forename: Genevieve
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Thompson
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada. hchochinov@cancercare.mb.ca.|Manitoba Palliative Care Research Unit, CancerCare Manitoba, 3017-675 McDermot Ave, Winnipeg, R3E 0V9, MB, Canada. hchochinov@cancercare.mb.ca.
authors.forename: Harvey Max
authors.initials: HM
authors.lastname: Chochinov
mesh_terms: D003142:Communication; D034742:Electronic Mail; D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology*; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D006760:Hospitalization; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D010166:Palliative Care / Q000523:psychology / Q000639:trends; D000070659:Patient Comfort; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D015397:Program Evaluation; D011787:Quality of Health Care; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology*; D012017:Referral and Consultation / Q000639:trends*; D061108:Social Media
keywords: Communication and information technology; Family members; Palliative care; Palliative inpatients