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Touch-screen Technology (touch-screen + technology)
Selected AbstractsThe application of computer touch-screen technology in screening for psychosocial distress in an ambulatory oncology settingEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF CANCER CARE, Issue 4 2002A. ALLENBY DN, MEDST The objective of the study was to evaluate the acceptability and feasibility of computer touch-screen technology as a method for patients to report psychosocial functioning in an ambulatory cancer clinic. Patients participating in a randomized trial evaluating the use of self-reported psychosocial information in the clinical encounter were surveyed. The patients completed the Cancer Needs Questionnaire (CNQ), European Organization for the Research and Treatment of Cancer quality of life questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30) and the Beck Depression Inventory , Short Form (BDI) using a touch-screen computer. The time taken to complete the questionnaires was recorded electronically. Patients completed a seven-item pen and paper survey to assess acceptability of the process. Of the 450 patients, 244 (54%) were 60 years or older. Although over half the patients had no prior computer experience, nearly all found the touch screen easy to use and the instructions easy to understand. Each question was answered by at least 447 (99.3%) patients. The average time to complete the CNQ was 9.1 min, EORTC QLQ-C30 4.0 min and BDI 3.1 min. Factors influencing time to completion were prior use of computers, physical condition, education and overall level of needs. The study found that the use of computer touch-screen technology is an acceptable and efficient method for obtaining self-reported information on quality of life, cancer needs and psychological distress. [source] Implementing touch-screen technology to enhance recognition of distressPSYCHO-ONCOLOGY, Issue 8 2009K. Clark Abstract Objective: The University of California, San Diego, Moores Cancer Center implemented a systematic approach for patients to communicate with their health-care team in real-time regarding psychosocial problem-related distress using touch-screen technology. The purpose of this report is to describe our experience in implementing touch-screen problem-related distress screening as the standard of care for all outpatients in a health-care setting. Although early identification of distress has recently gained wide attention, the practical issues of implementing psychosocial screening with and without the use of technology have not been fully addressed or investigated. Methods: ,The How Can We Help You and Your Family?' screening instrument was used to identify and address patient problem-related distress for clinical services, program development, research and education. Using a HIPPA-compliant approach, the touch-screen technology also helped to identify patients interested in clinical trials and additional support services. Results: We found that the biggest barrier to implementing this technology was the attitude of the front desk staff (i.e. schedulers, clerks, administrative staff) who felt that the touch-screen would be burdensome. Our experience suggested that it was essential to actively involve these personnel from the beginning of the planning process. As specifically acknowledged in the recent 2007 Institute of Medicine report (Cancer Care for the Whole Patient: Meeting Psychosocial Health Needs. The National Academies Press: Washington, DC, 2007), use of this computerized version of the screening instrument was able to bridge the gap between the detection of problem-related distress and referrals for assessment or treatment. Conclusion: We found that it is feasible to implement a computerized problem-related distress screening program in a comprehensive cancer center. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] | ||||||||||