College of Communication Arts & Sciences, Michigan State University, 404 Wilson Road, Rm 309, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA.
Munson Healthcare, Traverse City, MI, USA.
J Cancer Educ. 2024 Aug;39(4):418-425. doi: 10.1007/s13187-024-02428-7. Epub 2024 Mar 28.
Cancer peer support groups are crucial in improving quality of life outcomes and extending cancer survival. Using the Health Belief Model (HBM) and Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) as guiding frameworks, this study examined perceptions of telehealth-based cancer support groups among individuals treated for cancer at a rural oncology program. We distributed online surveys to 34 survivors or individuals undergoing cancer treatment who actively participated in virtual cancer support groups, achieving a 79.4% response rate (27 participants). The survey, blending quantitative and qualitative methodologies, assessed demographic characteristics, overall telehealth satisfaction, satisfaction with telehealth-based peer support, and perceived social support. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, while qualitative responses were examined through template analysis, focusing on the HBM and TPB constructs. Participants expressed general satisfaction with telehealth and indicated a willingness to use telehealth services again. Participants cited ease of use and broader access to cancer support groups with telehealth approaches. Barriers to telehealth included the lack of interpersonal connection, internet access, and technical difficulties. The findings underscore the nuanced perceptions of telehealth-based cancer support groups in a rural oncology setting. Despite acknowledging telehealth's limitations, participants appreciated its role in facilitating access to support. The findings provide valuable insights for optimizing digital health interventions, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach that considers both the potential and the challenges of telehealth in cancer care. This study offers critical guidance in optimizing digital health interventions and ensuring accessible, effective support for cancer patients in rural areas.
癌症同伴支持小组对于改善生活质量和延长癌症患者的生存至关重要。本研究以健康信念模型（HBM）和计划行为理论（TPB）为指导框架，调查了农村肿瘤学项目中接受癌症治疗的个体对基于远程医疗的癌症支持小组的看法。我们向 34 名积极参与虚拟癌症支持小组的癌症幸存者或正在接受癌症治疗的个体分发了在线调查，获得了 79.4%的回复率（27 名参与者）。该调查结合了定量和定性方法，评估了人口统计学特征、总体远程医疗满意度、对基于远程医疗的同伴支持的满意度以及感知社会支持。定量数据采用描述性统计进行分析，而定性响应则通过模板分析进行检查，重点关注 HBM 和 TPB 结构。参与者对远程医疗表示总体满意，并表示愿意再次使用远程医疗服务。参与者提到了远程医疗的易用性以及更广泛地获得癌症支持小组的机会。远程医疗的障碍包括缺乏人际联系、互联网接入和技术困难。这些发现突显了在农村肿瘤学环境中基于远程医疗的癌症支持小组的复杂看法。尽管参与者认识到远程医疗的局限性，但他们赞赏其在促进支持方面的作用。这些发现为优化数字健康干预措施提供了有价值的见解，强调需要采取一种平衡的方法，既要考虑远程医疗在癌症护理中的潜力，也要考虑其挑战。本研究为优化数字健康干预措施并确保农村地区癌症患者获得可及、有效的支持提供了关键指导。
