Integrating eHealth With Human Services for Breast Cancer Patients

Transl Behav Med. 2011 Mar;1(1):146-154. doi: 10.1007/s13142-011-0027-1.

Abstract

Following demonstrations of success of interactive cancer communication systems (ICCS) for patients, the challenge and opportunity are to integrate such systems with human resources. A randomized trial explored relative benefits of an ICCS, a human cancer information mentor, and a condition combining both. Women with breast cancer (N = 434) were randomized to have access to a tested ICCS (CHESS, the Comprehensive Health Enhancement Support System), a human cancer information mentor, both interventions, or a control condition providing a computer, training, and Internet access. Both a human mentor and an ICCS version improved health information competence and emotional processing over the Internet control, and the combined condition exceeded either alone. Integrating human and computer-based resources for breast cancer patients benefits them more than either alone.