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An exploration of the internet as a self-management resource

An exploration of the internet as a self-management resource
An exploration of the internet as a self-management resource
In this paper, we explore the role of the internet as a resource for self-managing problems experienced by people affected by cancer. To do this, we draw on our observations of a UK online discussion forum used by people affected by cancer. We explored online contributions to the online discussion forum to identify examples of how people used the internet to seek and share information and support in the context of cancer to support their self-management of problems. Our findings show that of those registering on an online discussion forum only a minority (18%) contributed posts. Few people contributed to the online discussion forum more than five times although a minority of contributors participated numerous times. Examples of emotional and informational support exchanged in the online discussions are described. Benefits of contributing to the online discussions were noted. In conclusion, the online discussion forum can provide a useful resource for people to seek and share experiences, information and support with others in similar situations.
cancer, discussion forum, internet, self-management, support
13-24
Foster, Claire
00786ac1-bd47-4aeb-a0e2-40e058695b73
Roffe, Liz
cc330de8-dfcb-4e8f-bcdc-34f48c50eaa5
Foster, Claire
00786ac1-bd47-4aeb-a0e2-40e058695b73
Roffe, Liz
cc330de8-dfcb-4e8f-bcdc-34f48c50eaa5

Foster, Claire and Roffe, Liz (2009) An exploration of the internet as a self-management resource. Journal of Research in Nursing, 14 (1), 13-24. (doi:10.1177/1744987108099237).

Record type: Article

Abstract

In this paper, we explore the role of the internet as a resource for self-managing problems experienced by people affected by cancer. To do this, we draw on our observations of a UK online discussion forum used by people affected by cancer. We explored online contributions to the online discussion forum to identify examples of how people used the internet to seek and share information and support in the context of cancer to support their self-management of problems. Our findings show that of those registering on an online discussion forum only a minority (18%) contributed posts. Few people contributed to the online discussion forum more than five times although a minority of contributors participated numerous times. Examples of emotional and informational support exchanged in the online discussions are described. Benefits of contributing to the online discussions were noted. In conclusion, the online discussion forum can provide a useful resource for people to seek and share experiences, information and support with others in similar situations.

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More information

Published date: 2009
Keywords: cancer, discussion forum, internet, self-management, support
Organisations: Faculty of Health Sciences

Identifiers

Local EPrints ID: 66893
URI: http://eprints.soton.ac.uk/id/eprint/66893
PURE UUID: 7fc23e4c-9ccc-44d4-8b20-4150962d5a29
ORCID for Claire Foster: ORCID iD orcid.org/0000-0002-4703-8378

Catalogue record

Date deposited: 30 Jul 2009
Last modified: 14 Mar 2024 02:49

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Contributors

Author: Claire Foster ORCID iD
Author: Liz Roffe

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