scholarly journals Searching the Internet for Infertility Information: A Survey of Patient Needs and Preferences (Preprint)

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Felicia Brochu ◽  
Stephanie Robins ◽  
Skye A Miner ◽  
Paul H Grunberg ◽  
Peter Chan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Perceived Stress ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Depressive Symptomatology ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Sources Of Information ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Related Information ◽  
Support Resources

BACKGROUND Given the complexity of infertility diagnoses and treatments and the convenience of the internet for finding health-related information, people undergoing infertility treatments often use Web-based resources to obtain infertility information and support. However, little is known about the types of information and support resources infertility patients search for on the internet and whether these resources meet their needs. OBJECTIVE The aims of this study were to (1) examine what individual factors, namely, demographic characteristics and distress, are associated with searching the internet for different types of infertility-related information and support resources and (2) determine whether Web-based resources meet the needs of patients. METHODS Men and women seeking infertility care responded to a survey assessing use of Web-based resources for accessing infertility-related information and support. The survey further assessed satisfaction with Web-based resources as well as perceived stress and depressive symptomatology. RESULTS A total of 567 participants, including 254 men and 313 women, completed the survey. Most participants (490/558, 87.8%) had searched the internet for infertility information and support. Searchers were more likely to be women (<italic>P</italic>&lt;.001), highly educated (<italic>P</italic>=.04), long-term patients (<italic>P</italic>=.03), and more distressed (<italic>P</italic>=.04). Causes of infertility, treatment options, and scientific literature about infertility were the three most frequently searched topics, whereas ways to discuss treatment with family and friends as well as surrogacy and ways to find peer support were the three least searched topics. Of those who searched the internet, 70.9% (346/488) indicated that their needs were met by Web-based information, whereas 29.1% (142/488) said that their needs were not met. Having unmet needs was related to greater levels of perceived stress (<italic>P</italic>=.005) and depressive symptomatology (<italic>P</italic>=.03). CONCLUSIONS This study provides evidence for the important role of the internet in accessing infertility information and support and for the ability of Web-based resources to meet patients’ needs. However, although distressed patients reported particularly high rates of searching, their needs were not always met, suggesting that they may benefit from alternative sources of information and support or guidance from health care providers when searching the internet.

scholarly journals Searching the Internet for Infertility Information: A Survey of Patient Needs and Preferences

10.2196/15132 ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 21 (12) ◽  
pp. e15132 ◽  
Author(s):  
Felicia Brochu ◽  
Stephanie Robins ◽  
Skye A Miner ◽  
Paul H Grunberg ◽  
Peter Chan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Perceived Stress ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Depressive Symptomatology ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Sources Of Information ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Related Information ◽  
Support Resources

Background Given the complexity of infertility diagnoses and treatments and the convenience of the internet for finding health-related information, people undergoing infertility treatments often use Web-based resources to obtain infertility information and support. However, little is known about the types of information and support resources infertility patients search for on the internet and whether these resources meet their needs. Objective The aims of this study were to (1) examine what individual factors, namely, demographic characteristics and distress, are associated with searching the internet for different types of infertility-related information and support resources and (2) determine whether Web-based resources meet the needs of patients. Methods Men and women seeking infertility care responded to a survey assessing use of Web-based resources for accessing infertility-related information and support. The survey further assessed satisfaction with Web-based resources as well as perceived stress and depressive symptomatology. Results A total of 567 participants, including 254 men and 313 women, completed the survey. Most participants (490/558, 87.8%) had searched the internet for infertility information and support. Searchers were more likely to be women (P<.001), highly educated (P=.04), long-term patients (P=.03), and more distressed (P=.04). Causes of infertility, treatment options, and scientific literature about infertility were the three most frequently searched topics, whereas ways to discuss treatment with family and friends as well as surrogacy and ways to find peer support were the three least searched topics. Of those who searched the internet, 70.9% (346/488) indicated that their needs were met by Web-based information, whereas 29.1% (142/488) said that their needs were not met. Having unmet needs was related to greater levels of perceived stress (P=.005) and depressive symptomatology (P=.03). Conclusions This study provides evidence for the important role of the internet in accessing infertility information and support and for the ability of Web-based resources to meet patients’ needs. However, although distressed patients reported particularly high rates of searching, their needs were not always met, suggesting that they may benefit from alternative sources of information and support or guidance from health care providers when searching the internet.

The Quality of Web Sites' Health Information on Minimal Invasive Repair of Pectus Excavatum Using the DISCERN Instrument

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wietse P. Zuidema ◽  
Maarten J. Graumans ◽  
Jan W. A. Oosterhuis ◽  
Alida F. W. van der Steeg ◽  
Ernest van Heurn
Keyword(s):  
Health Information ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Web Sites ◽  
Pectus Excavatum ◽  
Medical Information ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Related Information

Abstract Introduction The Internet is a frequently used tool for patients with pectus excavatum (PE) to get information about symptoms and treatment options. In addition, it is used by both health care providers as a marketing tool and support group systems. The Internet health information varies in precision, quality, and reliability. The study purpose was to determine the quality of information on the PE Web sites using the DISCERN instrument, including information about operation and potential complications after a Nuss bar procedure. Materials and Methods Four search engines, Google, Yahoo, Ask, and Bing, were used to explore seven key terms concerning PE. Search language was English. The DISCERN quality instrument was used to evaluate the Web sites. Also, information on possible complications was scored per Web site. Results A total of 560 Web sites were assessed in March 2019. Excluded were 139 Web sites. There were 333 duplicates, leaving 88 unique Web sites. Of these, 58.1% were hospital-related information Web sites, 28.4% medical information Web sites, and 3.4% patient forum sites. Interactive multimedia was used on 21.6% of the sites. Pain postoperatively was mentioned on 64.8% of the sites, while only 9.1% mentioned the mortality risk of the surgical correction of PE for Nuss bar placement. The quality of the unique Web sites showed a mean DISCERN score of 42.5 (standard deviation 12.2). Medical information Web sites, encyclopedia, and government-sponsored sites had higher DISCERN scores. Hospital-related information sites, medical companies, and lay persons' sites, had lower total scores. Conclusion The overall quality of PE Web sites is low to moderate, with serious shortcomings.

The Digital Divide in Internet-Based Patient Education Materials

2012 ◽  
Vol 147 (5) ◽  
pp. 855-857 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gordon H. Sun
Keyword(s):  
Patient Education ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Sixth Grade ◽  
Neck Surgery ◽  
Reading Level ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Related Information ◽  
Health Related ◽  
Grade Reading Level

The ubiquity of the Internet has led to the widespread availability of health-related information to the public, and the subsequent empowerment of patients has fundamentally altered the patient-physician relationship. Among several concerns of physicians is the possibility that patients may be misinformed by information obtained from the Internet. One opportunity for health care providers to address this problem exists within Internet-based patient education materials (IPEMs). According to recent research in Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, IPEMs found within professional otolaryngology websites are written at the 8th- to 18th-grade reading comprehension level, essentially unchanged over the past 3 years. This greatly exceeds the fourth- to sixth-grade reading level recommended by the National Institutes of Health. Benefits, strategies, and challenges to improving the readability of IPEMs are discussed.

scholarly journals Popularity of the Consumption of Dietary Supplements and its Associated Factors among Students in an Egyptian University: A Cross-sectional Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (E) ◽  
pp. 566-573
Author(s):  
Nelly Hegazy ◽  
Hanan Ali Sayed ◽  
Ahmed Ali Hasan ◽  
Marwa Rashad Salem
Keyword(s):  
College Students ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Amino Acids ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Sources Of Information ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional

BACKGROUND: Dietary supplements (DS) use has substantially become prevalent worldwide. However, a limited number of studies have addressed the consumption of DS among college students. AIM: The objective of the study was to explore the prevalence of DS use among college students in an Egyptian college, their motives for DS use, and the association with sociodemographic and lifestyle factors. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 180 (18–25 years) college students at Helwan University. A self-administered questionnaire that included sociodemographic and lifestyle characteristics, DS use, commonly used types, reasons for use, and sources of information was employed. RESULTS: More than two-thirds of the participants (117 students) have used DS with no difference among sex except for the types and motives for use (p < 0.001). The most used types were amino acids and proteins, multivitamins and minerals, and weight-loss herbals. Male students mainly used amino acids and proteins (54.7%), multivitamins, and minerals (17.2%), for building muscles (50%), gaining more energy (14%), and maintaining good health (14%). Female students consumed multivitamins and minerals (35.8%), weight-loss herbals (28.3%), for health promotion (34%) and weight management (28.3%). The main sources of information were the internet, health-care providers, and coaches. Male users depended primarily on the internet; however, female users received information from health-care providers (p < 0.001). Practicing exercise, non-smoking, and dietary patterns were associated with DS use. CONCLUSION: DS use is remarkably common among college students in Egypt since their freshmen year. The findings highlight an urgent need to raise students’ awareness regarding the appropriate use of DS from reliable sources to control DS use and prevent adverse effects.

scholarly journals The extent to which cancer patients trust in cancer-related online information: a systematic review

PeerJ ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
pp. e7634 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lukas Lange ◽  
Mona Leandra Peikert ◽  
Christiane Bleich ◽  
Holger Schulz
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Information Needs ◽  
Cancer Information ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Systematic Research ◽  
Online Information ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Related Information

Background The use of the internet to satisfy information needs is widespread among cancer patients. Patients’ decisions regarding whether to act upon the information they find strongly depend on the trustworthiness of the information and the medium. Patients who are younger, more highly educated and female are more likely to trust online information. The objectives of this systematic review were to examine the extent to which cancer patients trust in cancer-related online information, internet websites as a source of cancer-related information or the internet as a medium of cancer information. Methods A systematic review was conducted using five databases (PROSPERO registration number: CRD42017070190). Studies of any kind were included if they measured cancer patients’ trust in online health information. Study quality was assessed using the Research Triangle Institute (RTI) item bank. A narrative synthesis was undertaken to examine the included studies. Results Of the 7,314 citations obtained by the search, seven cross-sectional studies were included in the synthesis. A total of 1,054 patients reported having some or a great deal of trust in online cancer information; 154 patients reported moderately trusting such information; and 833 patients reported having no or little trust in online cancer information, internet websites as a source of cancer-related information or the internet as a medium of cancer-related information. Two of the seven studies reported between group comparisons for the above-stated patient characteristics. The methodological quality of the included studies was diverse. Conclusion The results of the included studies indicates that approximately half of cancer patients appear to trust cancer-specific online information, internet websites as a source of cancer-related information or the internet as an information medium. However, the small number of included studies, high heterogeneity of participants, methods and outcomes calls for further systematic research. It is important to understand that cancer patients do and will increasingly use trusted cancer information websites to search for information concerning their disease. Therefore, physicians and other health care providers should provide more support and advice to these patients.

scholarly journals Addressing Anxiety and Fear during the Female Pelvic Examination

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
pp. 215013272199219
Author(s):  
Danielle J. O’Laughlin ◽  
Brittany Strelow ◽  
Nicole Fellows ◽  
Elizabeth Kelsey ◽  
Sonya Peters ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Negative Symptoms ◽  
Behavioral Therapy ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
Pelvic Examination ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Emotional Symptoms ◽  
Pelvic Examinations ◽  
Anxiety And Fear

To review the anxiety and fear risk factors, pathophysiology, symptoms, screening and diagnosis while highlighting treatment considerations for women undergoing a pelvic examination. Methods: We reviewed the literature pertaining to anxiety and fear surrounding the pelvic examination to help guide health care providers’ on available screening options and to review options for individualized patient management. Results: Anxiety and fear are common before and during the pelvic examination. In fact, the pelvic exam is one of the most common anxiety-provoking medical procedures. This exam can provoke negative physical and emotional symptoms such as pain, discomfort, anxiety, fear, embarrassment, and irritability. These negative symptoms can interfere with preventative health screening compliance resulting in delayed or avoided care and significant health consequences. Conclusion: Assessing women for anxiety related to pelvic examinations may help decrease a delay or avoidance of examinations. Risk factor and symptom identification is also a key component in this. General anxiety questionnaires can help identify women with anxiety related to pelvic examinations. Strategies to reduce anxiety, fear and pain during a pelvic examination should routinely be implemented, particularly in women with high-risk factors or those identified with screening techniques as having anxiety, fear or pain with examinations. Treatment options should be targeted at understanding the patient’s concerns, starting conversations about pelvic examinations early, educating patient’s about the examination and offering the presence of a chaperone or support person. During an examination providers should ensure the patient is comfortable, negative phrases are avoided, the correct speculum size is utilized and proper lubrication, draping, dressing and positioning are performed. Treating underlying gynecologic or mental health conditions, consideration of cognitive behavioral therapy and complementary techniques such as lavender aromatherapy and music therapy should also be considered when appropriate.

scholarly journals The Relationship Between Language Barrier in Non-Arabic Nurses and Anxiety in Cardiovascular Patients: A Cross-Sectional Descriptive Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
pp. 237437352198924
Author(s):  
Jassem Almualem ◽  
Amal Darwish ◽  
Ahmed AlFaraj
Keyword(s):  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Care Delivery ◽  
Descriptive Study ◽  
Language Barrier ◽  
P Value ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Related Information ◽  
Arabic Speakers ◽  
Arabic Speaking

Patients with cardiac conditions may suffer from anxiety related to prognosis and further rehabilitation. Anxiety could be exacerbated by different factors including miscommunication, which could be attributed to the linguistic barrier, that exists among health care providers. At Saud Al-Babtain Cardiac Center (SBCC), nurses who are non-native Arabic speakers could have difficulty communicating disease-related information at different stages of nursing care. Is it possible to identify the language barrier as a source of anxiety for admitted patients with cardiac diseases? In this cross-sectional, descriptive study, 50 patients were included following the diagnosis of cardiac disease and post-cardiac surgery. A questionnaire that measures anxiety level showed that patients who were handled by Arabic-speaking nurses reported less collective mean for the anxiety domain statements of (20.08) versus those who were handled by Non-Arabic-speaking nurses (28.55, P value = .041). Our finding indicates that anxiety levels increased when there was a language barrier between nurses and patients, which could affect the quality of care delivery at SBCC.

Pandemic Visitation Restrictions at the End of Life

2021 ◽  
Vol 46 (11) ◽  
pp. 3-4
Author(s):  
Molly Antone ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
End Of Life ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Medical Practices ◽  
Whole Person ◽  
Catholic Health Care

Dying today looks dramatically different than it did a century ago, largely due to wider treatment options and more specialized medical practices. Often missing from these advancements is the focus on factors relative to a patient’s total circumstances. Especially in light of the recent pandemic, it is incumbent upon Catholic health care providers to treat who whole person rather than simply focus on more utilitarian philosophies of care.

scholarly journals Online Pregnancy-Related Information: Reliability and Worries Among Expectant Women In Qatar

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ayman Al-Dahshan ◽  
Mohamad Chehab ◽  
Nagah Selim
Keyword(s):  
Antenatal Care ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Sampling Technique ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Related Information ◽  
University Degree ◽  
Self Administered Questionnaire

Abstract Background: Although the internet can be a source of reassurance and clarification for expectant women, it ‎could cause concerns or feelings of worry when reading about pregnancy-related ‎information. The current research sought to assess the feelings of worry and perceived reliability towards online pregnancy-related information and the associated factors among expectant women attending antenatal clinics at primary healthcare centers in Qatar.Methods: A cross-sectional study design was employed. The participants were recruited through a systematic random sampling technique. ‎A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data from the participants. Descriptive and analytic statistics were used when appropriate‎.Results: A total of 327 expecting women completed the questionnaire. Most participants were aged between 26-34 years (74.1%), held a college/university degree (76.4%), and multigravidas (73.1%). About one-third of the women ‎(31.2‎%) reported feeling worried due to something they read online. The participants coped with these feelings by consulting their antenatal care provider at the next appointment (51.0%) or by talking with relatives and friends (47.0%). Furthermore, most women (79.2%) considered online pregnancy-related information to be reliable or highly reliable. Holding a college/university degree, primigravidae, and having no children were factors significantly associated with a high perception of reliability of online health information.Conclusion: Although online pregnancy information caused feelings of worry for some pregnant ‎women, most women perceived such information to be reliable. Thus, antenatal care providers should be equipped to guide pregnant women on how to access high-quality web-based information.

scholarly journals Use and Effects of Patient Access to Medical Records in General Practice Through a Personal Health Record in the Netherlands: Protocol for a Mixed-Methods Study

10.2196/10193 ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (9) ◽  
pp. e10193 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria MT Vreugdenhil ◽  
Rudolf B Kool ◽  
Kees van Boven ◽  
Willem JJ Assendelft ◽  
Jan AM Kremer
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
General Practice ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Personal Health Record ◽  
Mixed Methods Study ◽  
Personal Health ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Staff Level

Background In the Dutch health care system, general practitioners hold a central position. They store information from all health care providers who are involved with their patients in their electronic health records. Web-based access to the summary record in general practice through a personal health record (PHR) may increase patients’ insight into their medical conditions and help them to be involved in their care. Objective We describe the protocol that we will use to investigate the utilization of patients’ digital access to the summary of their medical records in general practice through a PHR and its effects on the involvement of patients in their care. Methods We will conduct a multilevel mixed-methods study in which the PHR and Web-based access to the summary record will be offered for 6 months to a random sample of 500 polypharmacy patients, 500 parents of children aged <4 years, and 500 adults who do not belong to the former two groups. At the patient level, a controlled before-after study will be conducted using surveys, and concurrently, qualitative data will be collected from focus group discussions, think-aloud observations, and semistructured interviews. At the general practice staff (GP staff) level, focus group discussions will be conducted at baseline and Q-methodology inquiries at the end of the study period. The primary outcomes at the patient level are barriers and facilitators for using the PHR and summary records and changes in taking an active role in decision making and care management and medication adherence. Outcomes at the GP staff level are attitudes before and opinions after the implementation of the intervention. Patient characteristics and changes in outcomes related to patient involvement during the study period will be compared between the users and nonusers of the intervention using chi-square tests and t tests. A thematic content analysis of the qualitative data will be performed, and the results will be used to interpret quantitative findings. Results Enrollment was completed in May 2017 and the possibility to view GP records through the PHR was implemented in December 2017. Data analysis is currently underway and the first results are expected to be submitted for publication in autumn 2019. Conclusions We expect that the findings of this study will be useful to health care providers and health care organizations that consider introducing the use of PHR and Web-based access to records and to those who have recently started using these. Trial Registration Netherlands Trial Registry NTR6395; http://www.trialregister.nl/trialreg/admin/rctview.asp?TC=6395 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/71nc8jzwM) Registered Report Identifier RR1-10.2196/10193

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