The overall aim with this study is to get a deeper understanding of the potential benefits with a health platform for patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer.
This is a prospective randomized parallel group design. Consecutive patients will be recruited from participating hospitals and randomized to either "prescribed participation" or just receiving information about the platform but with no prescription. All patients are also receiving standard care. After treatment all patients will receive information about the platform and the aim with the platform. A short demonstration of the platform will also be provided. The platform will contain general information on "Life after cancer treatment". It will be a forum to discuss with fellow-patients, both experienced and newly treated and it is also possible to address questions to health professionals. After the demonstration an information about the study will be given and patients will be asked to participate. If accepted a consent form will be presented and signed by the patients. All patients will be given an alias - a username, to be used at the platform which gives the patients confidentiality. However, as this is a research project they will be informed that their clinical data will be extracted from their patient charts. The alias will in a separate file be connected with their personal identification number. The patients randomized to intervention (prescribed participation) will be offered to contact a research nurse or researcher if they have any practical questions regarding the use of the platform. All patients will be asked to answer a questionnaire at baseline, 3, 6 and 12 months after surgery. Patients will be answering the questionnaires electronically on the platform or in a paper version sent by ordinary mail.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
HEALTH_SERVICES_RESEARCH
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
44
Active participation in the forum with encouragement to participate on a weekly basis
No intervention performed. Patients are offered to read the open pages on the website
Dept. of Surgery, Sahlgrenska University Hospital/Ostra
Gothenburg, Sweden
Self empowerment measured by Cancer Behavior Inventory (CBI) scale
A 12-item measure of self-efficacy for coping with cancer that measures self empowerment and coping. Each question is answered on a 9 point Likert scale. The higher the score the more confident and self empowered
Time frame: 12 months
Self empowerment measured by Cancer Behavior Inventory (CBI) scale
A 12-item measure of self-efficacy for coping with cancer that measures self empowerment and coping. Each question is answered on a 9 point Likert scale. The higher the score the more confident and self empowered
Time frame: 3 months
Compliance to treatment
How frequent is the forum used? Will be tested using newly developed questions in a questionnaire. There will be a scale from 1-5
Time frame: 12 months
Quality of life using a Likert scale question tested in several other studies
Using an assessment on a Likert scale 0-7 "How would you rate your QoL?"
Time frame: 12 months
Usability of a health care platform
Is the platform easy to use? Will be tested using newly developed questions with 4-6 answering options.
Time frame: 12 months
Generated Knowledge in Online Discussions
A qualitative analysis of the online discussions on the forum
Time frame: 3 years
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.