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Analysis of Internet-Based Search Patterns Utilized by Glioma Patients as Information Source

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Abstract

The aim of this study is to assess the Internet usage pattern amongst glioma patients and to characterize its impact in their decision-making and clinical interactions. Glioma patients attending a tertiary cancer center between June and December 2019 were invited to participate in this study. A 26-item survey consisting of closed and open-ended questions was distributed with a unique identifier. Quantitative data were analyzed with descriptive statistics using SPSS Statistical package, and qualitative data with grounded theory approach. Thirty-two patients completed the survey. Demographics varied in age, time since diagnosis, glioma type, and level of education. Eighty-one percent were identified as “Internet users” who sought online glioma information. Google was the most popular search engine (96%), with “glioma” being the most frequent search term. The selection of websites often relied on perceived credibility and top search hits. The most searched topic was prognosis (73%). The majority of patients found that online information was easy to understand, and this did not vary significantly amongst age groups. Website quality was always assessed by 60% of patients. Only 62% patients found the Internet a useful resource, and 70% patients found it facilitated their understanding. Most patients discussed their Internet findings with a physician, largely regarding concerns about reliability. There is variable glioma information available online. Patients with glioma use the Internet as a resource, with variable impact on their interactions and decision-making. This information can be used by physicians, educators, and website developers to support glioma patients’ needs.

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Data will be kept for 10 years and will be destroyed at the 10-year mark by shredding of all physical files and permanent deletion of electronic files.

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Funding

Ms. Kipfer was supported by Student Summer Research Program of University of British Columbia, Faculty of Medicine.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. MD Undergraduate Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada

    Chloe Ah-Ryung Lim & Sharon Kipfer

  2. Radiation Oncology, BC Cancer Agency, Vancouver Centre, Vancouver, BC, Canada

    Paris-Ann Ingledew & Nafisha Lalani

  3. Faculty of Medicine, Department of Surgery, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada

    Paris-Ann Ingledew & Nafisha Lalani

  4. Radiation Oncology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada

    Fan Yang

  5. Medical Oncology, BC Cancer Agency, Vancouver Centre, Vancouver, BC, Canada

    Brian Thiessen & Rosemary Cashman

Authors
  1. Chloe Ah-Ryung Lim
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  2. Paris-Ann Ingledew
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  3. Fan Yang
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  4. Brian Thiessen
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  6. Nafisha Lalani
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  7. Sharon Kipfer
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Contributions

SK and PAI were responsible for the conception and design of the study. SK developed the survey material and identified appropriate patients. SK and FY disseminated the survey to potential participants. CAL was responsible for searching the relevant literature, coding and analysis of data, interpreting results, and drafting the manuscript. PAI and SK were responsible for oversight of the article and provided feedback on the manuscript. All authors approved the final version of the manuscript.

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Correspondence to Chloe Ah-Ryung Lim.

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The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest.

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All data were analyzed using SPSS statistical package (version 26.0, SPSS, Chicago, IL).

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Lim, C.AR., Ingledew, PA., Yang, F. et al. Analysis of Internet-Based Search Patterns Utilized by Glioma Patients as Information Source. J Canc Educ 37, 1349–1356 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13187-021-01960-0

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