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Abstract
This paper reports on a study exploring the usefulness of e-mail as a means of communication
between nurse specialists and patients with lung cancer and their families. The study
involved two lung cancer nurse specialists and 16 patients and family members who
used e-mail with them during the 6-month study period. Data were collected from three
sources: (1) e-mail contact between the nurse specialists and patients/family members,
(2) patient/family member questionnaire and (3) a focus group/reflective session with
the nurse specialists. Quantitative data collected from the e-mails and the questionnaires
were analysed descriptively and are presented as summary statistics. Text data from
the questionnaires and e-mails were analysed using content analysis. Findings suggest
that e-mail can be an effective and convenient means of communication between nurse
specialists, and patients and family members. Patients and family members reported
high levels of satisfaction with this method of communication. It was found to be
quick and easy, and patients and family members were satisfied with both the response
and the speed of response from the nurse specialists. Nurse specialists were also
positive about e-mail use and found that the benefits of using e-mail with patients/family
members outweighed any disadvantages. Further investigation is recommended involving
other health care professionals and different patient groups to ensure the safe and
appropriate use of e-mail within health care.