Can online support groups address psychological morbidity of cancer patients? An artificial intelligence based investigation of prostate cancer trajectories.

Journal: PloS one
PMID: 32130256

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Online Cancer Support Groups (OCSG) are becoming an increasingly vital source of information, experiences and empowerment for patients with cancer. Despite significant contributions to physical, psychological and emotional wellbeing of patients, OCSG are yet to be formally recognised and used in multidisciplinary cancer support programs. This study highlights the opportunity of using Artificial Intelligence (AI) in OCSG to address psychological morbidity, with supporting empirical evidence from prostate cancer (PCa) patients.

Authors

  • Achini Adikari
    Research Centre for Data Analytics and Cognition, La Trobe University, Victoria, Australia.
  • Daswin De Silva
    Research Centre for Data Analytics and Cognition, La Trobe University, Victoria, Australia.
  • Weranja K B Ranasinghe
    Research Centre for Data Analytics and Cognition, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia.
  • Tharindu Bandaragoda
    Research Centre for Data Analytics and Cognition, La Trobe University, Victoria, Australia.
  • Oshadi Alahakoon
    College of Engineering and Science, Victoria University, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia.
  • Raj Persad
    North Bristol, NHS Trust, Bristol, United Kingdom.
  • Nathan Lawrentschuk
    Department of Surgery, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Division of Cancer Surgery, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute, Austin Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
  • Damminda Alahakoon
    Research Centre for Data Analytics and Cognition, La Trobe University, Victoria, Australia.
  • Damien Bolton
    The Austin Hospital, Heidelberg, Australia; Ringwood Private Hospital, Ringwood East, Australia; University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia.

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