Summary
In 2014, health researchers conducted a thorough literature search of research studies that investigated the efficacy of online resources and interventions for cancer patients. They identified 14 studies. While there were no interventions identified specific to a brain tumour population, most studies showed mixed results with some demonstrating improvements to quality of life. Two studies showed poorer outcomes for those participating in the online intervention compared to those who didn’t. This literature review clearly identified that online interventions need to be rigorously developed and evaluated to ascertain that they are helpful to users. As a consequence, this website, BT-online, provides an online platform that is based on research and evaluated through user surverys and data analytics. The article is easy to read.
Full text
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Research publication
McAlpine, H., Joubert, L., Martin-Sanchez, F., Merolli, M., & Drummond, K. J. (2015). A systematic review of types and efficacy of online interventions for cancer patients. Patient Educ Couns, 98(3), 283-295. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pec.2014.11.002