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.
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.


CONCLUSIONS
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.


CONCLUSIONS
Online communities could play an important role as a supplemental resource for a sub-group of breast cancer survivors.
Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Centre for Global eHealth Innovation, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada; ELLICSR: Centre for Health, Wellness and Cancer Survivorship, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada. Electronic address: jbender@ehealthinnovation.org.
Jacqueline L
JL
Bender
Joel
J
Katz
Lorraine E
LE
Ferris
Alejandro R
AR
Jadad
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000523:psychology*; D002170:Canada; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D008875:Middle Aged; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012657:Self-Help Groups; D012944:Social Support; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000209:etiology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D017741:Survivors / Q000523:psychology*
Breast cancer; Internet; Online communities; Peer support; Supportive care