CHESS (Comprehensive Health Enhancement Support System): an interactive computer system for women with breast cancer piloted with an underserved population

J Ambul Care Manage. 1995 Jul;18(3):35-41. doi: 10.1097/00004479-199507000-00006.

Abstract

The Comprehensive Health Enhancement Support System (CHESS) is an interactive computer system containing information, social support, and problem-solving tools. It was developed with intensive input from potential users through needs-assessment surveys and field testing. CHESS had previously been used by women in the middle and upper socioeconomic classes with high school and college education. This article reports on the results of a pilot study involving eight African-American women with breast cancer from impoverished neighborhoods in Chicago. CHESS was very well received; was extensively used; and produced feelings of acceptance, motivation, understanding, and relief.

MeSH terms

  • Ambulatory Care Information Systems / organization & administration
  • Ambulatory Care Information Systems / standards
  • Ambulatory Care Information Systems / trends*
  • Breast Neoplasms / epidemiology
  • Breast Neoplasms / psychology*
  • Chicago / epidemiology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Medically Underserved Area*
  • Patient Education as Topic / methods
  • Patient Education as Topic / trends*
  • Pilot Projects
  • Problem Solving
  • Social Support*
  • Socioeconomic Factors
  • Stress, Psychological