The health information technology preferences and perceptions of newly diagnosed patients with cancer

Background & goals: Patients with new cancer diagnoses have unique needs. In this study, we explored the technological needs and preferences of new cancer patients and the challenges to technology use among these patients. Methods: We used qualitative data from semi-structured interviews to identify the new cancer patients’ technology preferences. Interviews were recorded and then transcribed verbatim. A thematic analysis was conducted to identify the technology perceptions of new cancer patients, their technology needs, and the challenges of technology. Results: Most of the patients preferred mhealth technologies over other types of technologies to be used in their care management. The primary needs related to potential features in these technologies include access to information just in time, convenience, access to home care, self-management, privacy, interaction, and personalization. Patients also reported challenges of current technologies they utilized, including usability, impersonality, interoperability, and cost-effectiveness. Conclusion: Addressing patients’ needs to increase uptake and efficient use of technologies in cancer care is critical. Growing clinical and consumer informatics technologies can potentially help cancer management if designed by employing user-centered approaches.