Abstract
The aim of this study was to identify potential applications for remote nursing methods using information technology ("telenursing") by clarifying the need for telenursing among endoscopically treated patients with gastrointestinal (GI) cancer. We conducted a questionnaire survey on patients with gastrointestinal (GI) cancer underwent endoscopic surgery, and performed statistical and qualitative analyses on the responses of 30 patients. The results indicated that 56.7% of respondents perceived the need for telenursing. The reasons for this perceived need were a desire to address doubts and anxieties that arose in the course of treatment without the need for ambulatory care, as well as the fact that the patient would be able to more calmly accept the situation if he/she could consult with a health professional while remaining at home. The most desired means of communication were the telephone followed by email due to their respective simplicity and convenience, while other patients selected more than 2 means of communication with the belief that a range of means should be provided in response to the type of consultation sought and the information literacy of the patient. Patient concerns when using telenursing took the form of misgivings about the disclosure of private information and the ability to accurately communicate one's feelings to the health professional.
