An innovative web-based peer support system for medical students in Hong Kong.
BACKGROUND
Psychological morbidity is commonly found in medical students.


OBJECTIVE
The Mental Health Support Group (MSG), a student-initiated and student-run web-based peer support service aims to provide mental health information, e mail counseling and an online forum for medical students.


METHODS
The development process of MSG is described in the paper with presentation of preliminary evaluation results.


RESULTS
Preliminary evaluation shows promising results. Student members of MSG acquired valuable skills in counseling, communication, webpage design and maintenance of an online forum.


CONCLUSIONS
Future challenges include succession issues, strategies to keep up the momentum, enhancement of publicity and further diversification of service to meet the needs of our students.
D054626:Consumer Health Information / Q000379:methods* / Q000639:trends; D005260:Female; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000379:methods*; D006723:Hong Kong; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000523:psychology; D008603:Mental Health; D010379:Peer Group; D015397:Program Evaluation; D012737:Sex Factors; D012944:Social Support; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000523:psychology; D013337:Students, Medical / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires