Patients and Family Advantages: • Not having to leave the patient’s room to use the computer. One patient said “The challenge is that I don’t always feel up to writing on the computer and when I do feel up to it, it’s more difficult to leave my room…have to put on my dressing gown and shoes…” • Feeling more connected to the world with easy access to family and friends without leaving the room • Reduced boredom • Able to communicate right away before losing concentration • Easier to deal with phone calls and email before going home • Staying by the patient’s bedside while keeping the rest of family and friends updated • Convenience • “I could show my Mom (patient) things on the internet” |
Drawbacks: • Inappropriate use of the internet by family members or unsupervised children • Noise for the patient • Tying up staff time with questions about the computer • Family members focusing on the computer rather than on the patient |
Health Care Providers Advantages: • Improved psychosocial wellness, less boredom, decreased feelings of isolation, decreased separation anxiety especially for parents with children • Feelings of support from family and friends • Distraction from illness • Boosting spirit, feeling better emotionally • Finding groups who have the same illness • “See places you have always wanted to see” |
Drawbacks: • Patients accessing incorrect or misleading information related to their health • Noise for the patient • Family members paying more attention to the computer than to the patient or fewer in-person visits • Demands on staff time for trouble-shooting related to the technology • Equipment damage or loss • Accessing inappropriate websites • Additional “clutter” in the room |