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Clinical Trial
. 2001 Jul;16(7):435-45.
doi: 10.1046/j.1525-1497.2001.016007435.x.

Effect of computer support on younger women with breast cancer

D H Gustafson  1 , R Hawkins, S Pingree, F McTavish, N K Arora, J Mendenhall, D F Cella, R C Serlin, F M Apantaku, J Stewart, A Salner
Affiliations
Clinical Trial

Effect of computer support on younger women with breast cancer

D H Gustafson et al. J Gen Intern Med. 2001 Jul.

Abstract

Objective: Assess impact of a computer-based patient support system on quality of life in younger women with breast cancer, with particular emphasis on assisting the underserved.

Design: Randomized controlled trial conducted between 1995 and 1998.

Setting: Five sites: two teaching hospitals (Madison, Wis, and Chicago, Ill), two nonteaching hospitals (Chicago), and a cancer resource center (Indianapolis, Ill). The latter three sites treat many underserved patients.

Participants: Newly diagnosed breast cancer patients (N = 246) under age 60.

Interventions: Experimental group received Comprehensive Health Enhancement Support System (CHESS), a home-based computer system providing information, decision-making, and emotional support.

Measurements and main results: Pretest and two post-test surveys (at two- and five-month follow-up) measured aspects of participation in care, social/information support, and quality of life. At two-month follow-up, the CHESS group was significantly more competent at seeking information, more comfortable participating in care, and had greater confidence in doctor(s). At five-month follow-up, the CHESS group had significantly better social support and also greater information competence. In addition, experimental assignment interacted with several indicators of medical underservice (race, education, and lack of insurance), such that CHESS benefits were greater for the disadvantaged than the advantaged group.

Conclusions: Computer-based patient support systems such as CHESS may benefit patients by providing information and social support, and increasing their participation in health care. These benefits may be largest for currently underserved populations.

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Figures

FIGURE 1
FIGURE 1
Study profile.
FIGURE 2
FIGURE 2
Interactions for participation and information need at two-month follow-up.
FIGURE 3
FIGURE 3
Interactions for quality of life measures at two months and for information competence and functional well-being at five months. Due to multiple comparisons, significance required P < .0125 for the two functional well-being interactions and P < .0167 for breast cancer–related concerns.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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