Head Barbara A, Studts Jamie L, Bumpous Jeffrey M, Gregg Jennifer L, Wilson Liz, Keeney Cynthia, Scharfenberger Jennifer A, Pfeifer Mark P
Interdisciplinary Program for Palliative Care and Chronic Illness, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Medical Dental Research Building, Louisville, KY 40202, USA.
Telemed J E Health. 2009 Jan;15(1):44-52. doi: 10.1089/tmj.2008.0061.
Treatment for head and neck cancer precipitates a myriad of distressing symptoms. Patients may be isolated both physically and socially and may lack the self-efficacy to report problems and participate as partners in their care. The goal of this project was to design a telehealth intervention to address such isolation, develop patient self-efficacy, and improve symptom management during the treatment experience. Participatory action research and a review of the literature were used to develop electronically administered symptom management algorithms addressing all major symptoms experienced by patients undergoing treatment for head and neck cancers. Daily questions and related messages were then programmed into an easy-to-use telehealth messaging device, the Health Buddy(R). Clinician and patient acceptance, feasibility, and technology issues were measured. Using participatory action research is an effective means for developing electronic algorithms acceptable to both clinicians and patients. The use of a simple tele-messaging device as an adjunct to symptom management is feasible, affordable, and acceptable to patients. This telehealth intervention provides support and education to patients undergoing treatment for head and neck cancers.
头颈癌的治疗会引发众多令人痛苦的症状。患者在身体和社交方面可能会被孤立，并且可能缺乏报告问题以及作为护理伙伴参与其中的自我效能感。该项目的目标是设计一种远程医疗干预措施，以解决此类孤立问题，培养患者的自我效能感，并在治疗过程中改善症状管理。采用参与式行动研究并查阅文献，以开发电子管理的症状管理算法，解决头颈癌治疗患者所经历的所有主要症状。然后，将每日问题及相关信息编入一个易于使用的远程医疗信息设备——健康伙伴（Health Buddy®）中。对临床医生和患者的接受度、可行性及技术问题进行了评估。运用参与式行动研究是开发临床医生和患者均可接受的电子算法的有效手段。使用简单的远程信息设备作为症状管理的辅助手段是可行的、经济实惠的，并且患者可以接受。这种远程医疗干预为接受头颈癌治疗的患者提供支持和教育。
