Online help: cancer patients participate in a computer-mediated support group.
This study investigated a computer mediated support group of six breast cancer patients. For a three-month period, patients used home computers to connect to a computer bulletin board on which they read messages from and posted messages to each other. The patients had no difficulty learning to use the computer and used it an average of one hour a week. The patients discussed their medical conditions, shared personal concerns, and offered support. This online approach provided many features of traditional face-to-face support groups.
Weinberg
N
N
School of Social Work, University of Illinois, Urbana 61801, USA.
Schmale
J
J
Uken
J
J
Wessel
K
K
D000328:Adult; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology*; D003195:Computer Communication Networks / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D003200:Computer User Training; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007087:Illinois; D008838:Microcomputers; D008875:Middle Aged; D009862:Online Systems / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D010379:Peer Group; D015397:Program Evaluation; D012657:Self-Help Groups / Q000458:organization & administration*; D012944:Social Support