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Improving consumers' behaviour in self-testing. Study on trends in frequency, determinants of use, consequences, information needs, and effects of improved information strategies.

Projectomschrijving

Zelftests op het gebied van de gezondheid worden steeds populairder. Mensen kunnen hun eigen lichaamsmateriaal (bijvoorbeeld bloed) testen op aandoeningen als nierziekten, urineweginfecties of Chlamydia. Achttien procent van de Nederlandse internetgebruikers heeft ooit een zelftest gedaan. Mensen willen gerustgesteld worden en hebben veel vertrouwen in de uitslag van de test. In de huidige informatie wordt echter weinig aandacht besteed aan de voor- en nadelen van zelftests en de betrouwbaarheid daarvan. 

Het doel van dit project is om betere consumentenvoorlichting over zelftesten te ontwikkelen. De onderzoekers hebben online keuzehulpen voor de glucose- en cholesterol zelftest gemaakt en onderzoeken de effectiviteit van de keuzehulpen. Deze moeten mensen helpen een weloverwogen beslissing te nemen rond de vragen ‘doe ik een zelftest?’ en ‘wat doe ik met de uitslag van de test?’

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Samenvatting van de aanvraag

Background. In this project self-testing is restricted to in-vitro tests of body material (blood, urine, faeces, saliva, etc) that are initiated by the consumer (not on physician's advice), with the aim to diagnose (the vulnerability of) a certain disorder. Recently, we found that the frequency of self-testing among Dutch adult internet users was 16%, whereas 22% of non-self testers intends to do so in the near future. Self-testing seems to fit in the current view on patient autonomy. But, negative side effects might occur. The question is whether the benefits outweigh the costs. Objectives. This study aims to describe the trend in use of self-tests, to identify factors associated with their use, and consequences of use (appropriateness of consumers' behaviour following the test result). We will also pay attention to how consumers’ value the decision making processes in self-testing in terms of autonomy. The quality of the existing consumer information for the most frequently used tests will be analysed, and newly developed consumer information will be evaluated on effectiveness. Methods. a) Quantitative, longitudinal observational study. Questionnaire for an internet panel of over 12,000 adults, a representative sample of Dutch internet users. Both self-testers and non-self-testers will be questioned for determinants of (non-) use or intention to use self-tests. b) Qualitative studies. At least 20 persons from the internet panel who have performed self-testing or scored high on intention to perform self-testing for 2-4 selected tests will be asked if they are willing to participate in an in-depth interview. The available consumer information on the set of selected self-tests (e.g. cholesterol, glucose, PSA, faeces occult blood, HIV, chlamydia) will be analysed along validated quality criteria. Development of consumer information for the selected self tests in the format of decision aids. Pilot on 10 consumers by applying the Discern method, followed by one or two focus group meetings per type of self-test to discuss the content and format of the improved information. c) (Quasi-)experimental studies to evaluate the effect of the newly developed decision aids on outcomes such as knowledge, attitudes and self-management behaviour. Knowledge transfer. The study results will be communicated to the relevant stakeholders in this field; consumers, health professionals, the producers of self-tests, health insurance companies, and experts.

Onderwerpen

Kenmerken

Projectnummer:
60040003
Looptijd: 100%
Looptijd: 100 %
2008
2012
Onderdeel van programma:
Projectleider en penvoerder:
Verantwoordelijke organisatie:
Maastricht Universitair Medisch Centrum+