Coping with cancer: a Web-based educational program for early and middle adolescents

Abstract

Educating patients is a primary responsibility of all nurses; however, because of time constraints and staff shortages, pediatric oncology nurses are often unable to adequately prepare patients for cancer treatment. Instead, patients frequently rely on the Internet as a source of information about cancer, some of which can be outdated and inaccurate. Adolescents regard the Internet as a valuable source of health information as it is easily accessible, less threatening, and confidential. Considering the need for accurate, readily available information for adolescents with cancer, the purpose of this study was to develop and validate an innovative, interactive Web-based educational program to prepare early and middle adolescents for cancer treatment. Titled "Coping With Cancer," this program was developed by the investigator after conducting in-depth interviews of adolescent cancer survivors and their parents. Based on the transactional model of coping, the program focuses on enhancing the adolescent's knowledge of cancer, cancer treatment, and healthy coping strategies. Coping With Cancer can be an effective resource for pediatric oncology nurses in providing ongoing education for adolescents with cancer.

Figures

Figure 1

Coping with Cancer Homepage Note. A navigation menu appears in a column on the left side of the home page. Adolescents can also access information by clicking on the 6 corresponding icons in the center of the homepage.

Figure 2

Coping with Cancer Journal Page 1 Note. Multiple rollovers appear throughout the program. For example, using your computer’s mouse to rollover the word “oncologist” on the left side of journal page 1, displays the pronunciation and definition of oncologist in the right margin of screen.