More than just a pamphlet: development of an innovative computer-based education program for cancer patients

Patients with cancer continue to lack practical information regarding their illness and report low levels of awareness and use of patient services. Th e challenge to educators is to find cost-effective and timely ways to deliv er a complex mix of interesting and high-quality information and expertise to this large and diverse audience. while still tailoring the content to in dividual needs and situations. In the present article, we describe the Prin cess Margaret Hospital (PMH) computer-based patient education program. The program is aimed toward empowering those dealing with cancer and provides c omprehensive medical information and support via an interactive Intranet we b site containing information about cancer (the Oncology Interactive (TM) E ducation Series). library resources, Internet links, information about PMH services, and a hospital calendar of events. Preliminary evaluation results have provided valuable direction for on-going program development and sugg est that the program is easy to use, informative, and enjoyable for patient s, families, volunteers, and health professionals. Published by Elsevier Sc ience Ireland Ltd.