Eun-Ok Im1. 1. School of Nursing, The University of Pennsylvania,Philadelphia, USA. eunim@nursing.upenn.edu
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: To provide information on current use of a type of online support, Internet cancer support groups, by patients and survivors of cancer, and the factors that influence their usages. DATA SOURCES: The literature systematically searched and retrieved through the PUBMED, PsycInfo, and CINAHL databases. CONCLUSION: This literature review indicated five factors that influence the use of Internet cancer support groups (disease, background, cultural, need, and Internet use). IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE: Health care providers need to give careful attention to multiple factors that may influence the use of online support.
OBJECTIVES: To provide information on current use of a type of online support, Internet cancer support groups, by patients and survivors of cancer, and the factors that influence their usages. DATA SOURCES: The literature systematically searched and retrieved through the PUBMED, PsycInfo, and CINAHL databases. CONCLUSION: This literature review indicated five factors that influence the use of Internet cancer support groups (disease, background, cultural, need, and Internet use). IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE: Health care providers need to give careful attention to multiple factors that may influence the use of online support.