Health-related internet use among outpatient oncology patients and the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic

Abstract Objective The aim of this study was to assess eHealth usage among oncology patients undergoing infusion therapy. Methods We used an extended version of the validated 21-item questionnaire “Use of information and communication technologies questionnaire (ICT)” developed by Seifert et al., in order to assess patient-reported information related to general internet abilities including health-related applications. Results 303 patients participated. 299/303 participants reported regular internet usage. 72.6% (217/299) use the internet to search for health-related information and 79.1% (235/297) expressed readiness to communicate digitally with health care providers. Decreasing age and higher internet literacy correlated with a more frequent use of eHealth applications (p<0.001). Users of IOS tended to use therapy apps more frequently compared to users of other operating systems (p=0.034). 25% (68/275) reported increased internet usage during the pandemic. Conclusion The majority of patients were regular internet users and expressed an openness to eHealth. Factors such as internet literacy and average age are important to consider when implementing new eHealth applications. Despite the positive influence of the pandemic on internet usage, there remains a gap between self-reported readiness and real use of eHealth applications. Practice Implications eHealth applications should be introduced slowly into clinical settings with provided help. eHealth applications should be introduced slowly into clinical settings regular support is provided It is important to carefully consider the population’s characteristics to ensure successful implementation of eHealth applications The pandemic is a driver for the use of the Internet including eHealth