scholarly journals Design, Delivery, Maintenance, and Outcomes of Peer-to-Peer Online Support Groups for People With Chronic Musculoskeletal Disorders: Systematic Review (Preprint)

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Liam R Maclachlan ◽  
Kathryn Mills ◽  
Belinda J Lawford ◽  
Thorlene Egerton ◽  
Jenny Setchell ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Health Literacy ◽  
Support Groups ◽  
Peer To Peer ◽  
Risk Of Bias ◽  
Online Support ◽  
Online Support Groups ◽  
Musculoskeletal Conditions ◽  
Quantitative Studies

BACKGROUND Online support groups (OSGs) are one way for people with chronic diseases, their family or friends, and health professionals to communicate, gain information, and provide social support. As the number of peer-to-peer OSGs for chronic musculoskeletal conditions grows, it is important to gain insight into the different designs of groups available, who is accessing them, if and how they may be effective, and what strategies are being used to implement or increase consumer engagement. OBJECTIVE The objectives of this systematic review of people with musculoskeletal conditions were to (1) describe the design features (functions, usage options, moderation, and expert input) of peer-to-peer OSGs, (2) describe the characteristics of the individuals using peer-to-peer OSGs, (3) synthesize the evidence on outcomes of participation, and (4) identify strategies used in the delivery and maintenance of OSGs. METHODS A search comprising terms related to the population (people with musculoskeletal disorders) and the intervention (peer-to-peer OSGs) was conducted in 6 databases. Results were filtered from 1990 (internet inception) to February 2019. Studies identified in the search were screened according to predefined eligibility criteria using a 2-step process. Quantitative studies were appraised by 2 reviewers using the Risk Of Bias In Non-Randomized Studies of Interventions tool. Qualitative studies were appraised by 2 different reviewers using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme checklist. Extracted data were synthesized narratively. RESULTS We examined 21 studies with low to moderate risk of bias. Of these studies, 13 studies included OSGs hosted on public platforms, 11 studies examined OSGs that were conducted in English, and 6 studies used moderators or peer leaders to facilitate engagement. Studies either reported the number of OSG members (n=1985 across all studies) or the number of posts (range: 223-200,000). The majority of OSG members were females who were not full-time employees and with varied levels of education. There were no randomized controlled trials measuring the efficacy of OSGs. Qualitative and quantitative studies identified empowerment, social support, self-management behavior, and health literacy as primary constructs to measure OSG efficacy. Neutral or marginal improvement was reported in these constructs. Sharing experiences and a greater level of engagement appeared to have an important influence on OSGs efficacy. The extent to which members posted on the website influenced engagement. CONCLUSIONS Across a diverse range of designs, languages, included features, and delivery platforms, peer-to-peer OSGs for chronic musculoskeletal conditions attract predominantly female participants of all ages and education levels. The level of participation of a member appears to be related to their perceived benefit, health literacy, and empowerment. Future studies are needed to identify which design and maintenance strategies have superior efficacy and whether there are concomitant improvements in health outcomes for people with chronic musculoskeletal conditions resulting from participation in OSGs. CLINICALTRIAL PROSPERO International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews CRD42018090326; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42018090326

scholarly journals Design, Delivery, Maintenance, and Outcomes of Peer-to-Peer Online Support Groups for People With Chronic Musculoskeletal Disorders: Systematic Review

10.2196/15822 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (4) ◽  
pp. e15822
Author(s):  
Liam R Maclachlan ◽  
Kathryn Mills ◽  
Belinda J Lawford ◽  
Thorlene Egerton ◽  
Jenny Setchell ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Health Literacy ◽  
Support Groups ◽  
Peer To Peer ◽  
Risk Of Bias ◽  
Online Support ◽  
Online Support Groups ◽  
Musculoskeletal Conditions ◽  
Quantitative Studies

Background Online support groups (OSGs) are one way for people with chronic diseases, their family or friends, and health professionals to communicate, gain information, and provide social support. As the number of peer-to-peer OSGs for chronic musculoskeletal conditions grows, it is important to gain insight into the different designs of groups available, who is accessing them, if and how they may be effective, and what strategies are being used to implement or increase consumer engagement. Objective The objectives of this systematic review of people with musculoskeletal conditions were to (1) describe the design features (functions, usage options, moderation, and expert input) of peer-to-peer OSGs, (2) describe the characteristics of the individuals using peer-to-peer OSGs, (3) synthesize the evidence on outcomes of participation, and (4) identify strategies used in the delivery and maintenance of OSGs. Methods A search comprising terms related to the population (people with musculoskeletal disorders) and the intervention (peer-to-peer OSGs) was conducted in 6 databases. Results were filtered from 1990 (internet inception) to February 2019. Studies identified in the search were screened according to predefined eligibility criteria using a 2-step process. Quantitative studies were appraised by 2 reviewers using the Risk Of Bias In Non-Randomized Studies of Interventions tool. Qualitative studies were appraised by 2 different reviewers using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme checklist. Extracted data were synthesized narratively. Results We examined 21 studies with low to moderate risk of bias. Of these studies, 13 studies included OSGs hosted on public platforms, 11 studies examined OSGs that were conducted in English, and 6 studies used moderators or peer leaders to facilitate engagement. Studies either reported the number of OSG members (n=1985 across all studies) or the number of posts (range: 223-200,000). The majority of OSG members were females who were not full-time employees and with varied levels of education. There were no randomized controlled trials measuring the efficacy of OSGs. Qualitative and quantitative studies identified empowerment, social support, self-management behavior, and health literacy as primary constructs to measure OSG efficacy. Neutral or marginal improvement was reported in these constructs. Sharing experiences and a greater level of engagement appeared to have an important influence on OSGs efficacy. The extent to which members posted on the website influenced engagement. Conclusions Across a diverse range of designs, languages, included features, and delivery platforms, peer-to-peer OSGs for chronic musculoskeletal conditions attract predominantly female participants of all ages and education levels. The level of participation of a member appears to be related to their perceived benefit, health literacy, and empowerment. Future studies are needed to identify which design and maintenance strategies have superior efficacy and whether there are concomitant improvements in health outcomes for people with chronic musculoskeletal conditions resulting from participation in OSGs. Trial Registration PROSPERO International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews CRD42018090326; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42018090326

Do online support groups help individuals affected by HIV/AIDS?: A systematic review of the quantitative and qualitative literature (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Neil Stewart Coulson ◽  
Heather Buchanan
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Support Groups ◽  
Online Communication ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Qualitative Studies ◽  
Online Support ◽  
Illness Management ◽  
Online Support Groups ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Hiv Aids

BACKGROUND Online support groups provide opportunities for individuals affected by HIV/AIDS to seek information, advice and support from peers. However, if and how engagement with online support groups helps individuals affected by HIV/AIDS remains unclear. OBJECTIVE To systematically review the evidence (both quantitative and qualitative) around the benefits of online support groups for individuals affected by HIV/AIDS in terms of psychosocial wellbeing and/or illness management. In addition, the review sought to identify and describe any negative aspects experienced by individuals as well as the types of social support exchanged within such online groups. METHODS A systematic review of English language articles was undertaken using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Databases searched included Medline, PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, CENTRAL (Cochrane Register of Controlled Trials) and SCOPUS. Key findings were critically synthesized using a narrative and thematic approach. RESULTS 22 papers met the inclusion criteria from an initial pool of 4501 abstracts. These papers included 5 quantitative, 2 mixed-methods and 15 qualitative studies published between 2007 and 2019. CONCLUSIONS Some cross-sectional and qualitative studies suggest there may be an association between engagement and a range of psychosocial processes and outcomes. However, studies with robust methodological designs are needed to definitively establish whether HIV/AIDS-related online support groups improve psychosocial well-being and/or illness management. Qualitative data highlights users can have negative experiences in terms of interpersonal conflict and the challenges of encountering negative content. In addition, there may be aspects of the internet-mediated nature of the online communication which compromise member experiences. Finally, HIV/AIDS-related online support groups are venues through which individuals can solicit support, most commonly informational or emotional support. Future research should seek to examine the impact of engagement with online support groups over time including appropriate control or comparison groups. CLINICALTRIAL N/A

Online Support Group Participation and Social Support: Incorporating Identification and Interpersonal Bonds

2019 ◽  
Vol 50 (5) ◽  
pp. 593-622 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yaguang Zhu ◽  
Keri K. Stephens
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Support Groups ◽  
Perceived Social Support ◽  
Group Communication ◽  
Mediating Effect ◽  
Online Support ◽  
Online Support Groups ◽  
Online Support Group ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Practical Implications

An increasing number of people with chronic diseases exchange social support using online support groups (OSGs). However, there is little understanding of group communication mechanisms that underpin the relationship between OSG participation and social support. Drawing on Prentice, Miller, and Lightdale’s common-identity and common-bond framework, we propose and test a theoretical model that explains group communication mechanisms through which members’ participation influences their perceived social support. In the process, we identified and empirically validated a three-factor solution for an OSG participation scale. Based on 356 users across 12 popular OSGs, we find that two group communication mechanisms—identification with the community and interpersonal bonds with other members—mediate the relationship between OSG participation and perceived social support. Specifically, identification has a stronger mediating effect than interpersonal bonds in the relationship between OSG participation and perceived social support. We also discuss theoretical and practical implications.

Online Social Support Groups/Communities

2022 ◽  
pp. 349-369
Author(s):  
Liza Ngenye ◽  
Kevin Wright
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Support Groups ◽  
Online Support ◽  
Online Support Groups ◽  
Health Issues ◽  
Online Social Support ◽  
Health Concerns ◽  
Online Networks ◽  
Advantages And Disadvantages ◽  
Health Related

Numerous studies over the past two decades suggest that people with a variety of health concerns are increasingly turning to online networks for social support. This has led to the rise of online support groups/communities for people facing health concerns. Researchers have found that these groups/communities provide patients, disease survivors, and caregivers a number of advantages and disadvantages in terms of mobilizing social support for their health-related concerns. This chapter will examine these issues in greater detail as well as the theoretical and practical implications of this body of research for patients who use online support communities to help cope with and manage a variety of health issues. It will provide an overview of online social support and health outcomes, discuss key processes and theoretical explanations for the efficacy of online support communities for people facing health concerns, and the limitations of this body of research as well as an agenda for future communication research on health-related online support groups/communities.

scholarly journals Exploring the Social Networks of Bereaved Spouses: Phenomenological Case Studies

2020 ◽  
pp. 003022282094406
Author(s):  
Brigid Morrigan ◽  
Sharon Keesing ◽  
Lauren J. Breen
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Social Networks ◽  
Support Groups ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Phenomenological Analysis ◽  
Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis ◽  
Online Support ◽  
Online Support Groups ◽  
Social Worlds ◽  
The Social

Bereavement is a significant stressor that can affect and be affected by social support, yet there is little known about the social networks of bereaved individuals. We conducted an in-depth qualitative examination of the social networks of bereaved spouses through an interpretive phenomenological analysis. Five participants were interviewed about their social networks prior to and following bereavement. Participants described considerable changes in their social networks. They reported connecting with others who had experienced similar stressors, including via online support groups for widows/widowers, as a key strategy for re-engagement with their social worlds. The death of a spouse can precipitate the dramatic reorganization of social networks to incorporate and adapt to this crisis. Findings offer guidance for service providers to support bereaved spouses to harness existing social networks to optimize received support.

Online Social Support Groups/Communities

2018 ◽  
pp. 1-27 ◽  
Author(s):  
Liza Ngenye ◽  
Kevin Wright
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Support Groups ◽  
Online Support ◽  
Online Support Groups ◽  
Health Issues ◽  
Online Social Support ◽  
Health Concerns ◽  
Online Networks ◽  
Advantages And Disadvantages ◽  
Health Related

Numerous studies over the past two decades suggest that people with a variety of health concerns are increasingly turning to online networks for social support. This has led to the rise of online support groups/communities for people facing health concerns. Researchers have found that these groups/communities provide patients, disease survivors, and caregivers a number of advantages and disadvantages in terms of mobilizing social support for their health-related concerns. This chapter will examine these issues in greater detail as well as the theoretical and practical implications of this body of research for patients who use online support communities to help cope with and manage a variety of health issues. It will provide an overview of online social support and health outcomes, discuss key processes and theoretical explanations for the efficacy of online support communities for people facing health concerns, and the limitations of this body of research as well as an agenda for future communication research on health-related online support groups/communities.

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