The development of a web-based resource to provide information and psychosocial support to informal cancer carers in hospital in Vietnam

Olinda Santin, Chris Jenkins, Nghiem Hoa, Gillian Prue, Lynne Lohfeld, Joanne Reid, Hien Ho Thi

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

16 Citations (Scopus)
304 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Methods:
Cancer carers and health care professionals' perspectives regarding information and support needs and the content and delivery of web‐based supports, were explored via five focus groups (n = 39) and semistructured interviews (n = 4) in Vietnam in 2018. Focus groups and interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using thematic analysis. Resource components were verified at two joint stakeholder workshops attended by 40 participants.
Vietnam, like many low/middle income countries, lacks the infrastructure to provide information and psychosocial support to cancer patients and their carers. We undertook a codesign process to develop a web resource to inform and support carers.

Results:
The development of a web‐based resource was identified as an urgent need. A web‐based resource was viewed as a suitable interface to provide support across regions in a sustainable way. The structure of the resource should include peer‐led videoed advice, signposting to services and include official endorsement. The potential resource components identified includes (a) cancer causes and consequences; (b) hospital administration, treatment processes, and prices; (c) daily living; (d) emotional and supportive information; (e) skills training; and (f) nutrition and traditional medicine.

Conclusion:
The development of a web‐based resource to deliver information and psychosocial supports to cancer carers and by‐proxy patients is an urgent requirement in Vietnam. Next steps will include resource development and testing the resources ability to address the unmet needs of cancer carers and patients. A web‐based resource to support cancer carers has the potential for application to other developing countries.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)920-926
Number of pages7
JournalPsycho-oncology
Volume29
Issue number5
Early online date25 Feb 2020
DOIs
Publication statusEarly online date - 25 Feb 2020

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