Feasibility, acceptability, and usability of web-based data collection in parents of children with cancer.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES: To determine the feasibility of Web-based, multisite data collection using electronic instruments and the feasibility, acceptability, and usability of that data collection method to parents of children with cancer.

DESIGN

Prototype development and feasibility study.

SETTING

Three Children's Oncology Group centers in the United States.

SAMPLE

20 parents of children with cancer who made a treatment decision within the previous six months.

METHODS

Eight instruments were translated from print to electronic format and deployed using a secure Web-based server. Parents completed printed versions of two of the instruments to assess comparability of the two formats. A post-survey interview focused on parents' computer experiences and the acceptability and ease of use of the instruments.

MAIN RESEARCH VARIABLES

Time to orient parent to Web site, time to complete instruments, investigators' field notes, and postsurvey questionnaire.

FINDINGS

Eighty percent of parents preferred the Web-based data collection and found it at least as easy as completing paper-and-pencil instruments. All parents, regardless of their computer expertise, were comfortable with the electronic data collection system. Statistical analysis demonstrated no evidence of systematic or clinically significant bias.

CONCLUSIONS

The Web-based data collection was feasible, reliable, and preferred by most study participants. The authors will use this strategy in future intervention trials of parents making treatment decisions.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING

Web-based data entry is feasible and acceptable to parents of children with cancer. Future multicenter collaborative studies should develop and test nursing interventions to support parents making treatment decisions.