What is the role of online support from the perspective of facilitators of face-to-face support groups? A multi-method study of the use of breast cancer online communities

Abstract Objective To explore the role of online communities from the perspective of breast cancer survivors who are facilitators of face-to-face support groups. Methods Seventy-three attendees (73% response rate) of a Canadian support group-training program completed a questionnaire examining when...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Patient education and counseling 2013-12, Vol.93 (3), p.472-479
Main Authors: Bender, Jacqueline L, Katz, Joel, Ferris, Lorraine E, Jadad, Alejandro R
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adult
Aged
Breast cancer
Breast Neoplasms - psychology
Canada
Cross-Sectional Studies
Facilitators
Female
Health Services Needs and Demand
Health Surveys
Humans
Internal Medicine
Internet
Middle Aged
Nursing
Online communities
Peer support
Qualitative Research
Self-Help Groups
Social Support
Stress, Psychological - etiology
Support groups
Supportive care
Surveys and Questionnaires
Survivors
Survivors - psychology
Unmet needs
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Summary:Abstract Objective To explore the role of online communities from the perspective of breast cancer survivors who are facilitators of face-to-face support groups. Methods Seventy-three attendees (73% response rate) of a Canadian support group-training program completed a questionnaire examining when and why they used online communities. A purposive sample of 12 respondents was interviewed on how they used them in comparison to traditional supportive care. Survey responses were analyzed using descriptive statistics, and interview transcripts using a descriptive interpretive approach. Results Online communities were used by 31.5%, mostly during treatment (73.9%), daily or weekly (91.3%), primarily for information (91.3%) and symptom management (69.6%) and less for emotional support (47.8%). Reasons for non-use were lack of need (48.0%), self-efficacy (30.0%), trust (24.0%), and awareness (20.0%). Respondents used online communities to address unmet needs during periods of stress and uncertainty. A multi-theory framework helps to explain the conditions influencing their use. Conclusion Online communities have the potential to fill gaps in supportive care by addressing the unmet needs of a subgroup of breast cancer survivors. Further research is required among typical cancer survivors. Practice implications Online communities could play an important role as a supplemental resource for a sub-group of breast cancer survivors.
ISSN:0738-3991
1873-5134
DOI:10.1016/j.pec.2013.07.009