Optimizing eHealth breast cancer interventions: which types of eHealth services are effective?

Abstract

Little is known about the effective elements of Interactive Cancer Communication Systems (ICCSs). A randomized trial explored which types of services of a multifaceted ICCS benefited patients and the nature of the benefit. Women with breast cancer (N=450) were randomized to different types of ICCS services or to a control condition that provided internet access. The Comprehensive Health Enhancement Support System (CHESS), served as the ICCS. ICCS services providing information and support, but not coaching such as cognitive behavior therapy, produced significant benefits in health information competence and emotional processing. Provision of Information and Support ICCS services significantly benefited women with breast cancer. More complex and interactive services designed to train the user had negligible effects.

Lurking as an Active Participation Process: A Longitudinal Investigation of Engagement with an Online Cancer Support Group

“…Internet only and Full CHESS conditions were shared by two studies. The CHESS breast cancer module is an Internet-based integrated eHealth system that provides patients and their families with a range of conceptually distinct services (See a detailed description of the original study from Baker et al, 2011; Hawkins et al, 2011). …”

“…To gauge the predictors of engagement types and their effects on patients’ outcomes, we decided to use the baseline survey, 6-week, and 3-month follow-ups only because (a) the original clinical trial demonstrated significant intervention effects primarily at 6-week or 3-month follow-up intervals (Baker et al, 2011), and (b) overall system usage after the 3-month follow-up was minimal.…”

“…A review of the literature suggests that women with breast cancer can obtain a variety of positive outcomes through active participation (e.g., information seeking and sharing, and emotional disclosure), including perceived social support, reduction in breast cancer-related concerns, competence in healthcare and information, and emotional well-being (Baker et al, 2011; Han, 2012; Han et al, 2008; Han et al, 2012; Shaw et al, 2006; Shaw, McTavish, Hawkins, Gustafson, & Pingree, 2000; Shim, Cappella, & Han, 2011). …”

Mobile Breast Cancer e-Support Program for Chinese Women With Breast Cancer Undergoing Chemotherapy (Part 2): Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial (Preprint)

“…Similarly, Gustafson et al [28] reported that the Comprehensive Health Enhancement Support System (CHESS) had a positive impact on QoL for women with breast cancer. CHESS was a computer-based program involving an information module, a communication module, and an interactive coaching module [14], which are, currently, easy to install and use through apps. Our BCS program indicated that the app-based BCS program could provide comparative functionality and achieve similar effectiveness as computer-based programs [28], while women could enjoy the advantage of convenience and easy access of apps.…”

“…(T1) and 6 months (T2) of medical follow-ups with self-assessed paper questionnaires in the clinics. These time frames were chosen as greatest benefits of internet-based intervention were documented within 3 months [14], and some benefits might be sustained 6 months later The process of BCS development was published in Technology and Health Care [16]. Usercentric design were applied in BCS development and the perceived ease of using the BCS program was assessed [16].…”