A web based survey of healthcare provider and patient interests in the creation of future Internet based cancer information programs. J. M. Metz, J. Draznin-Maltzman, M. Hampshire; University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA Abstract: Background: Although many web resources have been created for patients and healthcare providers, data regarding users desires for program content and ability to utilize broadband features are lacking. Methods: Between 5/03 and 10/03, 448 responders completed this internally validated survey placed on OncoLink, the Internet resource at the University of Pennyslvania. OncoLink maintains diverse multi-level content for both cancer patients and healthcare providers. It currently delivers 1-2 million pages to over 385,000 unique IP addresses monthly. Of the survey responders, 63% were 35-64 yrs, 314 (70%) were female, and 334 (75%) were from the US. The study included 121 (27%) healthcare providers and 327 (73%) patients/family/friends. The survey specifically asked users to rate the development priority of 18 different programs for cancer information on the web and rate the most important feature provided by websites. Results: Internet based cancer information was accessed at work and home by 50%, and at home only by 46%. Broadband access was available to 52%. The latest cancer news (44%) and latest cancer treatments (27%) were highest rated features when ranked by the single most important feature on cancer websites. When a variety of features were considered and ranked by priority, the highest scores were for new oncology product information (62%), ask the experts features (54%), interviews with oncology leaders (53%), journal scans (51%), and oncology conference reporting (46%). There were high priority scores from both groups for the development of broadband features such as video webcasting (41%). Healthcare providers were more likely to desire material related to conference reporting (59% vs 33%, p<0.001); patients were more likely to desire survivor stories (48% vs 35%, p<0.001), but no other significant differences were found. Conclusions: Patients and healthcare providers desire similar content development for cancer related information. Resources should be allocated by cancer information services for the development of broadband content. Abstract No: 6124 Abstract # 6126 ASCO, 2004 Abstract # 6139 ASCO, 2004 Abstract #6138 ASCO, 2004 Remember we are NOT Doctors and have NO medical training. This site is like an Encylopedia - there are many pages, many links on many topics. Support our work with any size DONATION - see left side of any page - for how to donate. You can help raise awareness of CAM.