Keep in Touch (KIT): feasibility of using internet-based communication and information technology in palliative care

Abstract

BackgroundConfinement to an in-patient hospital ward impairs patients’ sense of social support and connectedness. Providing the means, through communication technology, for patients to maintain contact with friends and family can potentially improve well-being at the end of life by minimizing social isolation and facilitating social connection. This study aimed to explore the feasibility of introducing internet-based communication and information technologies for in-patients and their families and to describe their experience in using this technology.MethodsA cross-sectional survey design was used to describe patient and family member experiences in using internet-based communication technology and health care provider views of using such technology in palliative care. Participants included 13 palliative in-patients, 38 family members, and 14 health care providers. An iPad or a laptop computer with password-protected internet access was loaned to each patient and family member for about two weeks or they used their own electronic devices for the duration of the patient’s stay. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected from patients, families, and health care providers to discern how patients and families used the technology, its ease of use and its impact. Descriptive statistics and paired sample t-tests were used to analyze quantitative data; qualitative data were analyzed using constant comparative techniques.ResultsPalliative patients and family members used the technology to keep in touch with family and friends, entertain themselves, look up information, or accomplish tasks. Most participants found the technology easy to use and reported that it helped them feel better overall, connected to others and calm. The availability of competent, respectful, and caring technical support personnel was highly valued by patients and families. Health care providers identified that computer technology helped patients and families keep others informed about the patient’s condition, enabled sharing of important decisions and facilitated access to the outside world.ConclusionsThis study confirmed the feasibility of offering internet-based communication and information technologies on palliative care in-patient units. Patients and families need to be provided appropriate technical support to ensure that the technology is used optimally to help them accomplish their goals.

Patients’ experiences of eHealth in palliative care: an integrative review.

“…Communicating via video link also worked well and was found convenient (33,(35)(36)(37)(38)(39)42). Patients experienced bene ts of videoconferencing as compared to telephone consultations, since the added visual dimension provided information about body language and emotions (35,36,40). The majority of participants in two studies were very satis ed with video meetings, and even preferred them before physical meetings (38,40).…”

“…In all the included studies, patients' experiences were predominantly positive for eHealth applications and communication (32)(33)(34)(35)(36)(37)(38)(39)(40)(41)(42)(43). Eleven studies described patients' practical experiences of using various technological tools to communicate digitally with their caregivers (32,33,(35)(36)(37)(38)(39)(40)(41)(42)(43). In the twelfth study, patients described wanting technical communication aids both to receive and to provide information digitally, and thus facilitate communication with healthcare professionals (34).…”

“…Through technology, new opportunities and arenas for meetings were made possible, as an addition to the more common traditional face to face care meetings or conferences. Several studies described that patients perceived various technical communication aids as user-friendly and feasible (32,33,(35)(36)(37)(38)(39)(40)(41)(42)(43). An example of user exibility, was an app that could be used in the way individual patients or families wanted, either on a mobile phone, a computer or a tablet (33,35,(39)(40)(41).…”

“…Several studies described that patients perceived various technical communication aids as user-friendly and feasible (32,33,(35)(36)(37)(38)(39)(40)(41)(42)(43). An example of user exibility, was an app that could be used in the way individual patients or families wanted, either on a mobile phone, a computer or a tablet (33,35,(39)(40)(41). Communicating via video link also worked well and was found convenient (33,(35)(36)(37)(38)(39)42).…”

“…An example of user exibility, was an app that could be used in the way individual patients or families wanted, either on a mobile phone, a computer or a tablet (33,35,(39)(40)(41). Communicating via video link also worked well and was found convenient (33,(35)(36)(37)(38)(39)42). Patients experienced bene ts of videoconferencing as compared to telephone consultations, since the added visual dimension provided information about body language and emotions (35,36,40).…”