An evaluation of the suitability, readability, quality, and usefulness of online resources for patients with cancer receiving immunotherapy

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the suitability, readability, quality, and usefulness of available online resources about the side effects of immunotherapy.

Methods: Resources were identified through online searches (Google, Microsoft Bing, and Yahoo search engines) and evaluated using the Suitability Assessment Materials (SAM), three readability formulae, the DISCERN tool (quality), and a checklist of symptom management strategies and self-management skills (usefulness). Hierarchical cluster analysis identified resources scoring highly for suitability and quality. Factors associated with the clusters were identified using Fischer's exact tests.

Results: The 51 resources retained for evaluation were of low suitability and quality and exceeded recommended reading levels. Resources were lacking key features to support learning (e.g., illustrations) as well as information about the risks of treatments and the effect of treatments on quality of life. Few resources addressed key self-management skills of problem-solving and taking action. The cluster analysis identified "low" and "moderate" clusters for suitability and quality, and pamphlets and booklets were more likely to be in the moderate cluster as compared to webpages.

Conclusion: There is a lack of high-quality resources to support patients' learning to self-manage side effects of immunotherapy.

Practice implications: Results identify the best available online resources for self-managing side effects of immunotherapy and gaps for future work. Based on findings, a template for patient education materials was developed.

Keywords: Cancer; Health literacy; Immunotherapy; Patient education; Self-management.