The “PC-WIRED” study: Patient Centred Evolution of Websites of Italian Radiotherapy Departments
PO-1481
Abstract
The “PC-WIRED” study: Patient Centred Evolution of Websites of Italian Radiotherapy Departments
Authors: Valeria Venuti1, Bruno Fionda2, Antonio Piras3, Andrea D'Aviero4, Calogero Casà4, Francesco Preziosi4, Francesco Catucci5, Luca Boldrini5, Antonino Daidone3, Luca Tagliaferri5, Maria Antonietta Gambacorta5, Vincenzo Valentini5
1Università degli Studi di Palermo, Radioterapia Oncologica, Palermo, Italy; 2Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCSS, Dipartimento di Diagnostica per Immagini, Radioterapia Oncologica ed Ematologia, Roma, Italy; 3Villa Santa Teresa, Radioterapia Oncologica, Bagheria, Palermo, Italy; 4Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Radioterapia Oncologica, Roma, Italy; 5Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Dipartimento di Diagnostica per Immagini, Radioterapia Oncologica ed Ematologia, Roma, Italy
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Purpose or Objective
The aim of this paper was to conduct a survey about the evolution of the information provided
by Italian radiotherapy departments with a special focus on patients’ perspective.
Material and Methods
A two-steps analysis was conducted in 2013 and 2020. Starting from analysis of data for the
existing websites of Italian radiotherapy departments, main potential areas of interest for patients were
discussed within a dedicated multidisciplinary team composed of radiation oncologists, a web designer, a
blogger, a psyco-oncologist, a volunteer and a representative of patients’ association.
Results
Patient oriented features
| 2013
| 2020 | Δ
|
Patient centered description of RT workflow and possible side effects
| 26 % | 33 % | + 7 % |
Educational videos or animations for patient
| 9 % | 13 % | + 4 % |
Feedback section
| 1 % | 3 % | + 2 % |
| Presence of previous patients experiences with the center | < 1 % | < 1% | 0 |
Photos of radiation oncologists
| 15 % | 15 % | 0 |
Photos of RTTs and/or nurses
| 6 % | 6 % | 0 |
Six patient-oriented features to evaluate the websites of Italian radiotherapy departments were
identified and several other features not specifically patient-oriented were also reported in our survey.
Conclusion
A major effort is still needed to develop websites intended to be used by patients which
should be both user-friendly and easily accessible. Social media are rapidly gaining a growing importance.
Practice implications: A pivotal role could be played by patients’ organization who should be empowered
by connecting all the stakeholders involved in this field.
