Medical Information Sources for Cancer Patients and Their Companions

Abstract

Today patients and their companions use various sources to gain knowledge of cancer. The ability to clearly determine their current and future information sources can help both physicians and patients to better communicate and make more efficient decisions together, but limited studies have done for this. A survey was implemented in the oncology clinic of the Vanderbilt Ingram Cancer Center, Nashville, TN. Of the 468 individuals approached, 424 (91%; 257 patients and 167 companions) completed the questionnaires, with 166 patients paired with companions. Over 95% believed information enhanced their involvement in decision making and abilities to cope with cancer; 77% reported that information reduced anxiety. 85% will continue to search for cancer information in the future. Physicians, nurses, and medical pamphlets are still the most trusted sources. Internet and email were not used as much as expected but showed more potential uses and better quality in the future. Demographics including education, income, gender, age and working status are found as good predictors for cancer information source preferences. Future research is needed on physicians¡¯ views on cancer patients¡¯ medical information sources.