Patient perspectives on health advice posted on Internet discussion boards

A qualitative study

Bibliographic Data

ID19506280
AuthorsN Armstrong (0000-0003-4046-0119, University of Leicester), Jami Powell (0000-0002-1456-4857, University of Warwick), John Powell (0000-0001-6124-439X)
Year2009
Volume12
Issue3
Pages313-320
Publication date2009-09-01
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueHealth Expectations (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1369-6513 • E-ISSN: 1369-7625
PublisherWiley (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1111/j.1369-7625.2009.00543.x
PMID19555377
OpenAlexW2005905305
LanguageEN
Citations received16
References cited25

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 pre‐test 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

Discussion board · Internet privacy · Medical education · MEDLINE · Political science · Qualitative research · Sociology · The Internet · World Wide Web · Computer Science · Diabetes Management and Education · Health Literacy and Information Accessibility · Medicine · Psychology · Social Media in Health Education

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Open DOISci-HubOpen Access