Library Bulletin – Journal Articles – February 2010
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PATIENT INFORMATION
ALBADA, Akke and AUSEMS, Magreet G E M and others. Tailored information about cancer risk and screening : a systematic review. Patient Education and Counseling Vol 77, No 2 - November 2009: 155-171
Abstract: Objective: To study interventions that provide people with information about cancer risk and about screening that is tailored to their personal characteristics. We assess the tailoring characteristics, theory base and effects on risk perception, knowledge and screening behavior of these interventions. Methods: A systematic literature review in this field was performed. PubMed, EMBASE, PsychINFO, CINAHL and Cochrane databases were searched. Forty studies fulfilled all inclusion criteria. Methodological quality was assessed and a best evidence synthesis conducted for the 28 randomized controlled trials without co-intervention or with similar co-intervention in intervention and control group. Results: Most included studies evaluated an intervention aiming to promote cancer screening. The majority of articles (30) evaluated information that was tailored based on variables related to behavior change, sometimes combined with cancer risk factors. Ten other articles described an intervention that tailored information based on risk factors only. Conclusion: Information that was tailored based on behavior change variables increased realistic perception of cancer risks and knowledge of cancer compared to generic information. Also, information tailored to individuals' risk factors increased realistic risk perception compared to generic information. Practice implications: To improve cancer risk perception and knowledge health providers could better give patients information about cancer risk and screening that is tailored to their personal characteristics than generic information.
BROUWER, W and OENEMA, A and others. What makes people decide to visit and use an internet-delivered behavior-change intervention? : a qualitative study among adults. Health Education Vol 109, No 6 - 2009: 460-473
Abstract: Purpose: The purpose of this study is to explore adults' cognitive deliberations in deciding to visit an internet intervention, to extend the visit to use and process the intervention's content, and to revisit the intervention. Design/methodology/approach: A qualitative study was conducted consisting of five focus group interviews (n = 29, 25-69 years). The interview transcriptions were subjected to systematic content analysis. Findings: The results indicate that being motivated to change a health behavior and curiosity about the content were important factors in the decision to visit an internet intervention. To extend a visit, mainly intervention aspects were considered such as visual appeal, the number of questions needed to complete within the program, and the existence of a registration procedure. To induce revisits, regularly updated content and the possibility to monitor behavior change were important. Practical implications: These findings suggest that activities to promote use of internet interventions need to be directed at motivating adults to think about potential behavior change. Furthermore, intervention aspects need to meet various criteria, such as a professional appearance, concise and easy to understand texts and an explanation for the use of a registration procedure. Originality/value: The results of this explorative study can be used as a basis for further studies aimed at improving dissemination and use of internet-delivered behavior change interventions.
SMITH, Sarah and DUMAN, Mark. The state of consumer health information : an overview. Health Information and Libraries Journal Vol 26, No 4 - December 2009: 260-278
Abstract: Background: Consumer health information is becoming increasingly important and health policy in the UK is beginning to reflect this. This has implications for information producers, providers and users, with the move towards a more patient-centred health service. Objectives: This review aims to provide a broad overview of the current state of consumer health information in the UK. It examines the changing roles of information producers, providers and users, exploring the impact of health literacy and new technologies. It features some of the current library and consumer health information projects taking place in the UK and discusses the role that libraries may play in the future. Methods: The article focuses on consumer health information in a policy context. It is based on the experiences of the authors' work for the Patient Information Forum and knowledge of consumer health information. A number of library and information professionals were consulted regarding the library and information projects. Conclusions: Communication between health professionals and patients, and between health educators and the public, is key in order for consumer health information to have the ability to improve health outcomes. Further, especially local, investment into the production, distribution and delivery of consumer health information is recommended.