Skip to main page content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Dot gov

The .gov means it’s official.
Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on a federal government site.

Https

The site is secure.
The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely.

Access keys NCBI Homepage MyNCBI Homepage Main Content Main Navigation
Review
. 2020 Jul;32(4):262-268.
doi: 10.1097/CCO.0000000000000633.

Filling the gaps of patient information and comprehension

Geneviève I C G Ector  1 , Rosella P M G Hermens  2 , Nicole M A Blijlevens  1
Affiliations
Review

Filling the gaps of patient information and comprehension

Geneviève I C G Ector et al. Curr Opin Oncol. 2020 Jul.

Abstract

Purpose of review: This review describes the gaps in cancer patient information and comprehension and provides examples of interventions aimed at filling the gaps.

Recent findings: Despite the technologically advanced era, unmet information needs remain a challenge in current cancer care, even though the beneficial effects of adequate information provision are well described.It starts with the basics of patient-physician communication and information exchange. Barriers are described both patient and physician-specific. For patients to comprehend and recall information correctly, information provision should be tailored to the specific patient in content, as well as in readability level. Tailored content based on bidirectional and iterative information exchange (i.e., patients reported outcomes, followed by specific/personalized feedback) is of focus in the current development of interventions aimed at meeting the gaps. However, the effects of such interventions are not overwhelming and the explanation could be multifactorial.

Summary: Unmet informational needs are still a gap in current cancer care. The effect of eHealth interventions is not yet well established. Key is to educate patients and (future) healthcare professionals in eHealth. Future research should focus on identifying what kind of interventions are able to fill the gaps.

PubMed Disclaimer

References

    1. Finney Rutten LJ, Agunwamba AA, Wilson P, et al. Cancer-related information seeking among cancer survivors: trends over a decade (2003-2013). J Cancer Educ 2016; 31:348–357.
    1. Rutten LJ, Arora NK, Bakos AD, et al. Information needs and sources of information among cancer patients: a systematic review of research (1980-2003). Patient Educ Couns 2005; 57:250–261.
    1. Husson O, Mols F, van de Poll-Franse LV. The relation between information provision and health-related quality of life, anxiety and depression among cancer survivors: a systematic review. Ann Oncol 2011; 22:761–772.
    1. Luker KA, Beaver K, Leinster SJ, et al. The information needs of women newly diagnosed with breast cancer. J Adv Nurs 1995; 22:134–141.
    1. Mistry A, Wilson S, Priestman T, et al. How do the information needs of cancer patients differ at different stages of the cancer journey? A cross-sectional survey. JRSM Short Rep 2010; 1:30.