Engaging caregivers: exploring perspectives on web-based health information. (20th August 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Tonsaker, Tabitha; Law, Susan; Ormel, Ilja; Nease, Cecilia; Bartlett, Gillian
• Is Part Of: Family practice. Volume 34:Number 4(2017)
• Page Start: 479
• Page End: 484
• Publication Date: 2016-08-20
• Subjects: Caregivers -- health informatics -- patient participation -- primary care -- qualitative research -- quality of life.; Primary care (Medicine) -- Periodicals; Clinical medicine -- Periodicals; 616.005
• DOI: 10.1093/fampra/cmw084
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0263-2136

Abstract

Abstract: Background: Informal or family caregivers are important contributors to health and health care and require support to sustain their role and address particular challenges. An experience-based health website may be an accessible, effective way to offer caregivers peer support and ultimately better equip them to care for themselves and their loved ones. Objectives: This study investigated how caregivers access and use information on the Internet about caregiving and their perspectives on the design and features of a new personal health experiences (PHEx) website. Methods: This was a qualitative descriptive study that involved three focus groups of caregivers for a total of 16 participants in a university-affiliated hospital in Quebec. Thematic analysis was used with transcriptions of recorded sessions. Results: With respect to how participants accessed and used health information, three themes emerged: searching for and choosing health websites, empowerment through the use of online health information, and concerns about health information on the Internet. In terms of their views on a health experiences website, the two main themes were: factors important for first impressions and perceived needs and expectations. Conclusion: Caregivers accessed and chose health information in a similar manner to other people but still offered additional insights regarding online health information retrieval, usage, and other perspectives, which will be helpful for future web-based initiatives that aim to provide support to caregivers.