Comparing Transactional eHealth Literacy of Individuals With Cancer and Surrogate Information Seekers: Mixed Methods Study.

BACKGROUND: The number of adults entering higher-risk age groups for receiving a cancer diagnosis is rising, with predicted numbers of cancer cases expected to increase by nearly 50% by 2050. Living with cancer puts exceptional burdens on individuals and families during treatment and survivorship, including how they navigate their relationships with one another. One role that a member of a support network may enact is that of a surrogate seeker, who seeks information in an informal capacity on behalf of others. Individuals with cancer and surrogate seekers often use the internet to learn about cancer, but differences in their skills and strategies have received little empirical attention. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to examine the eHealth literacy of individuals with cancer and surrogate information seekers, including an investigation of how each group evaluates the credibility of web-based cancer information. As a secondary aim, we sought to explore the differences that exist between individuals with cancer and surrogate seekers pertaining to eHealth literacies and sociodemographic contexts. METHODS: Between October 2019 and January 2020, we conducted a web-based survey of 282 individuals with cancer (n=185) and surrogate seekers (n=97). We used hierarchical linear regression analyses to explore differences in functional, communicative, critical, and translational eHealth literacy between individuals with cancer and surrogate seekers using the Transactional eHealth Literacy Instrument. Using a convergent, parallel mixed methods design, we also conducted a thematic content analysis of an open-ended survey response to qualitatively examine how each group evaluates web-based cancer information. RESULTS: eHealth literacy scores did not differ between individuals with cancer and surrogate seekers, even after adjusting for sociodemographic variables. Individuals with cancer and surrogate seekers consider the credibility of web-based cancer information based on its channel (eg, National Institutes of Health). However, in evaluating web-based information, surrogate seekers were more likely than individuals with cancer to consider the presence and quality of scientific references supporting the information. Individuals with cancer were more likely than surrogate seekers to cross-reference other websites and web-based sources to establish consensus. CONCLUSIONS: Web-based cancer information accessibility and evaluation procedures differ among individuals with cancer and surrogate seekers and should be considered in future efforts to design web-based cancer education interventions. Future studies may also benefit from more stratified recruitment approaches and account for additional contextual factors to better understand the unique circumstances experienced within this population.

Empathic communication in dignity therapy: Feasibility of measurement and descriptive findings.

OBJECTIVE: Dignity therapy (DT) is a guided process conducted by a health professional for reviewing one's life to promote dignity through the illness process. Empathic communication has been shown to be important in clinical interactions but has yet to be examined in the DT interview session. The Empathic Communication Coding System (ECCS) is a validated, reliable coding system used in clinical interactions. The aims of this study were (1) to assess the feasibility of the ECCS in DT sessions and (2) to describe the process of empathic communication during DT sessions. METHODS: We conducted a secondary analysis of 25 transcripts of DT sessions with older cancer patients. These DT sessions were collected as part of larger randomized controlled trial. We revised the ECCS and then coded the transcripts using the new ECCS-DT. Two coders achieved inter-rater reliability (κ = 0.84) on 20% of the transcripts and then independently coded the remaining transcripts. RESULTS: Participants were individuals with cancer between the ages of 55 and 75. We developed the ECCS-DT with four empathic response categories: acknowledgment, reflection, validation, and shared experience. We found that of the 235 idea units, 198 had at least one of the four empathic responses present. Of the total 25 DT sessions, 17 had at least one empathic response present in all idea units. SIGNIFICANCE OF RESULTS: This feasibility study is an essential first step in our larger program of research to understand how empathic communication may play a role in DT outcomes. We aim to replicate findings in a larger sample and also investigate the linkage empathic communication may have in the DT session to positive patient outcomes. These findings, in turn, may lead to further refinement of training for dignity therapists, development of research into empathy as a mediator of outcomes, and generation of new interventions.

Practicing Mindfulness through mHealth Applications: Emerging Adults' Health-Enhancing and Inhibiting Experiences.

Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) and practices (MBPs) can promote better health outcomes. Although MBIs and MBPs were developed to be delivered in-person, mobile health (mHealth) tools such as apps have made these more accessible. Mindfulness apps (MAs) are popular among emerging adults (EAs) who have the highest ownership of smartphones and who are also at risk for distress. While adverse effects have been observed with MBIs/MBPs, this has not been examined when mindfulness is practiced using apps. We interviewed EAs (n = 22) to capture their motivations for using these apps and identified health-inhibiting and enhancing experiences. Data were thematically analyzed using the constant comparative method. Motivations for app use included accessibility, convenience, and stress/health management. EAs described health-enhancing outcomes (reduced distress, improved physical symptoms, increased focus) and health-inhibiting outcomes (worsened distress, performance uncertainty, dependency development, worsened physical health). They provided suggestions for improving apps (e.g., feedback option). These findings illustrate benefits and risks that EAs may encounter when practicing mindfulness using apps, which can inform the best practices for app design.

Clinicians' Perceptions of the Benefits and Challenges of Teleoncology as Experienced Through the COVID-19 Pandemic: Qualitative Study.

BACKGROUND: COVID-19 thrust both patients and clinicians to use telemedicine in place of traditional in-person visits. Prepandemic, limited research had examined clinician-patient communication in telemedicine visits. The shift to telemedicine in oncology, or teleoncology, has placed attention on how the technology can be utilized to provide care for patients with cancer. OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to describe oncology clinicians' experiences with teleoncology and to uncover its benefits and challenges during the first 10 months of the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: In-depth, semistructured qualitative interviews were conducted with oncology clinicians. Using an inductive, thematic approach, the most prevalent themes were identified. RESULTS: In total, 21 interviews with oncology clinicians revealed the following themes: benefits of teleoncology, such as (1) reducing patients' travel time and expenses, (2) limiting COVID-19 exposure, and (3) enabling clinicians to "see" a patients' lifestyle and environment, and challenges, such as (1) technological connection difficulties, (2) inability to physically examine patients, and (3) patients' frustration related to clinicians being late to teleoncology appointments. CONCLUSIONS: Teleoncology has many benefits and is well suited for specific types of appointments. Challenges could be addressed through improved communication when scheduling appointments to make patients aware about what to expect. Ensuring patients have the proper technology to participate in teleoncology and an understanding about how it functions are necessary.

Streaming mindfulness: Well-being and mindfulness among subscribers to a video streaming service.

OBJECTIVE: Internet and smartphone technology have advanced the dissemination of mindfulness practices and philosophy. This study explored how individuals interact with Spectiv, a subscription-based video streaming service (VSS) that advertises content for meditation, and measured levels of mindfulness and well-being. We hypothesized that users engaging with Spectiv for longer sessions and on a regular basis would report higher levels of mindfulness and well-being. METHOD: A 46-question online survey was developed and distributed to all active subscribers of Spectiv (N = 119). The survey included two validated scales: (1) The Cognitive and Affective Mindfulness Scale, and (2) The Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale. A series of one-way ANOVAs were performed, along with a simple linear regression and descriptive statistics. RESULTS: Users reported relaxation as the most common activity. Levels of mindfulness and well-being were significantly higher for users whose session-duration lasted 2 hours (p = .01) and 3 hours (p = .03). Users engaging with the VSS daily had significant levels of both mindfulness (p < .001) and well-being (p < .001). There was no difference between subscription length and mindfulness and well-being. Mindfulness was found to be a significant positive predictor of well-being (p < .0001). CONCLUSION: VSS could be valuable to facilitating mindfulness. Users engaging with a VSS for longer durations and more frequently may be more likely to experience benefits. Future research using controlled designs such as randomized control trials and feasibility studies should be conducted to determine if VSS can maintain or increase levels of mindfulness and well-being.

A qualitative analysis of clinicians' communication strategies with family members of patients experiencing hospital-acquired delirium.

OBJECTIVE: Identify doctors' and nurses' perceptions of effective communication strategies when talking with family members of patients with hospital-acquired delirium. METHODS: We conducted focus groups and interviews of hospitalists, anesthesiologists, and nurses using a semi-structured approach. We rigorously analyzed transcribed data using a constant comparative method. RESULTS: We conducted six focus groups and 14 interviews. Participants included 20 hospitalists, 9 anesthesiologists, and 21 nurses. Clinicians identified three communication approaches as effective when communicating with family of delirium patients: Provide reassurance, educate families, and engage in family-centered communication. CONCLUSION: In communicating with families of patients with post-operative delirium, clinicians work to reassure and educate families using family-centered communication. Different approaches are used by different types of clinicians to accomplish this goal. Clinicians recognized the importance of involving family members in the patients' recovery. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Though clinically common and familiar to clinicians, delirium may be a new diagnosis for family members and thus compassion and education are vital. Due to the different clinical roles, education may be different for each discipline.

"Miracle" or "Medicine": A Turning-Point Analysis of Patients' and Physicians' Shifting Views on Acupuncture.

Objective: Acupuncture is one of the most widely used treatments of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) within the military's health system. The success of CAM integration is partially dependent on both providers' and patients' perceptions that acupuncture is health-promoting. The aim of this research was to identify turning points, or changes, across treatments that enhanced or inhibited physicians' and patients' perception of acupuncture as health-promoting. Materials and Methods: Using a retrospective-interview approach, interviews were conducted with 15 family medicine physicians practicing medical acupuncture in a family medicine setting and with 17 patients (N = 32). Turning points were separated into 2 groups (health-promoting or health-inhibiting). Similarities and differences between perspectives were noted. Results: Patients and physicians identified two changes that enhanced their perspective of acupuncture as health-promoting: (1) observed health changes and (2) pain-medicine/narcotic reduction/elimination. Patients identified their ability to fulfill personal or professional roles, whereas physicians identified (1) training experiences and (2) enhanced relationships with patients. Health-inhibiting changes in perspective were identified as logistical constraints/barriers by both parties, although their perspectives differed to some degree. Turning points that were viewed as health-inhibiting treatment were identified as clinical challenges by physicians and as a lack of consistency in care by patients. Conclusions: The insight from these findings can help identify areas where medical acupuncture can be improved to promote successful integration in conventional medicine settings, as well as how providers can tailor communication with patients about acupuncture.

Choosing Channels, Sources, and Content for Communicating Prostate Cancer Information to Black Men: A Systematic Review of the Literature.

The purpose of this study was to identify effective channels, sources, and content approaches for communicating prostate cancer prevention information to Black men. The Web of Science, PubMed and GoogleScholar databases, as well as reviews of reference lists for selected publications, were searched to select articles relevant to cancer communication channels, sources or content for Black men, focused on male-prevalent cancers and published in English. Articles were excluded if they examined only patient-provider communication, dealt exclusively with prostate cancer patients or did not separate findings by race. The selection procedures identified 41 relevant articles, which were systematically and independently reviewed by two team members to extract data on preferred channels, sources, and content for prostate cancer information. This review revealed that Black men prefer interpersonal communication for prostate cancer information; however, video can be effective. Trusted sources included personal physicians, clergy, and other community leaders, family (especially spouses) and prostate cancer survivors. Men want comprehensive information about screening, symptoms, treatment, and outcomes. Messages should be culturally tailored, encouraging empowerment and "ownership" of disease. Black men are open to prostate cancer prevention information through mediated channels when contextualized within spiritual/cultural beliefs and delivered by trusted sources.