Armstrong, Natalie and Powell, John. (2009) Patient perspectives on health advice posted on Internet discussion boards : a qualitative study. Health Expectations, Vol.12 (No.3). pp. 313-320. ISSN 1369-6513

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Abstract

Background Use of the Internet for health information by patients is growing, and there have been diverse responses to this both within the research community and the medical and health-related professions. The use of Internet discussion boards are one way that people living with long-term conditions can interact with their peers and offer and seek advice, support and information. We report patient perspectives on using a discussion board within a wider pilot study of an Internet-based self-management system for diabetes.

Design Qualitative data was gathered during three stages of developing and piloting the wider self-management system. These are: (1) patient focus groups as part of a stakeholder consultation; (2) a pretest session and focus group; and 3. a 6-month pilot study including follow-up individual interviews.

Results Three main themes were identified within participants' perspectives on Internet discussion boards. First, a focus on the importance and value of peer support to these patients. Secondly, participants' awareness of the need to evaluate the information posted by others in light of their own circumstances. Thirdly, the value placed upon the experiential knowledge of others living with the same condition.

Conclusions Many people living with long-term conditions would like to be in contact with their peers, and Internet discussion boards represent a cost-effective and interactive way of achieving this. Within the context of diabetes, the knowledge and expertise accumulated over many years of self-management is central to participants' self-reported ability to evaluate information posted and make decisions on its possible use.

Item Type:	Journal Article
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > HV Social pathology. Social and public welfare R Medicine > RA Public aspects of medicine R Medicine > RA Public aspects of medicine > RA0421 Public health. Hygiene. Preventive Medicine
Divisions:	Faculty of Medicine > Warwick Medical School > Health Sciences Faculty of Medicine > Warwick Medical School
Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH):	Internet in medicine -- Evaluation, Qualitative research, Health education -- Electronic discussion groups, Diabetes -- Electronic discussion groups, Health attitudes, Patient satisfaction, Self-care, Health
Journal or Publication Title:	Health Expectations
Publisher:	Wiley-Blackwell Publishing, Inc.
ISSN:	1369-6513
Official Date:	September 2009
Volume:	Vol.12
Number:	No.3
Number of Pages:	8
Page Range:	pp. 313-320
Identification Number:	10.1111/j.1369-7625.2009.00543.x
Status:	Peer Reviewed
Publication Status:	Published
Access rights to Published version:	Restricted or Subscription Access
URI:	http://wrap.warwick.ac.uk/id/eprint/17391

Data sourced from Thomson Reuters' Web of Knowledge

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