Article

Satisfaction With Telehealth for Cancer Support Groups in Rural American Indian and Alaska Native Communities

Ardith Z. Doorenbos

Linda Eaton

Emily A. Haozous

Cara Towle

Laura Revels

Dedra Buchwald

telephone follow-up, minorities, at-risk populations, rural populations
CJON 2010, 14(6), 765-770. DOI: 10.1188/10.CJON.765-770

A descriptive study was conducted to determine the information needs of American Indian (AI) and Alaska Native (AN) cancer survivors and assess satisfaction with and acceptability of telehealth support group services for cancer survivors in AI and AN rural communities. AI and AN cancer survivors were asked to complete the Telehealth Satisfaction Survey and two open-ended questions, one regarding information needs and one seeking comments and suggestions about cancer support group meetings. Thirty-two surveys were returned. Information about nutrition during treatment and treatment-related side effects were the most sought after topics. Participants valued the opportunity to interact with other AI and AN cancer survivors who also lived in remote locations and the usefulness of the information presented. The link with geographically distant survivors was valuable to participants as they felt they were no longer alone in their cancer experiences. Determining survivors' information needs provides meaningful topics for future support group education. Telehealth is a viable way to facilitate cancer support groups to AI and AN cancer survivors in rural communities.

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