Implementation of the Online Assessment to Study Information Seeking (OASIS): A Feasibility Study

Document Type

Presentation

Publication Date

9-2013

Abstract

Background: Technology has provided new and interesting platforms for conducting survey research. However, computerized surveys are not widely used in men's health studies.

Purpose/Objectives: The purpose of this research was to explore the feasibility of conducting a computerized survey with prostate cancer patients in an urban cancer center. The objectives were to identify and resolve issues surrounding participant recruitment and survey implementation during clinic hours.

Methods/Approach: Men were eligible to participate if they: a) had been treated for localized prostate cancer within the past 5 years, b) self-identified as African American (AA) or White, and c) were 18 years of age or older. All eligible participants were invited to complete the 90-item semi-structured survey by two AA men. The survey was created using Articulate Quizmaker software and published onto a password-protected website. Men completed the survey on a laptop computer in the exam room during their scheduled follow-up consultations. The survey captured patient demographics, cancer treatment information and psycho-social characteristics.

Results:Thirty-three surveys were completed between February 2013 - April 2013. All surveys were completed in one sitting. Participants were White (73%) and AA (27%). The majority of patients approached (Whites 89%, AAs 100%) agreed to participate. Participants' mean age was 62 years (range: 48 - 84 years). The mean time required to complete the survey was 29 minutes (range: 14 - 61 minutes). Survey completion time did not vary by race or age. The initial recruitment strategy produced more than the targeted number (N=15) of White patients, but an insufficient number of AAs.

Conclusions: The results indicate that computerized surveys can be implemented into an active, urban urology clinic during patient treatment follow-up visits. Although White and AA men are willing to participate in these kinds of studies, identifying sufficient numbers of eligible AA men is a problem. Barriers encountered during the feasibility testing and solutions that were implemented will be presented. Next steps of this research include identifying appropriate recruitment and implementation strategies to engage prostate cancer patients from community clinics in rural settings.

Sponsorship/Conference/Institution

American Association for Cancer Education (AACE) International Cancer Education Conference

Location

Seattle, WA

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