Virtual support groups are a way to communicate with other people electronically. In these groups, people gather virtually to share experiences, ask questions, and to provide or receive emotional support. The support groups can be led by professionals like a nurse, social worker, psychologist or a professional facilitator. These support groups can be accessed by the internet. Support groups are great resources but aren’t always easily accessible to patients. This virtual support allows patients to receive the help they need in the comfort of their own home. Some confidentiality concerns may include the uncertainty of what the group will do with the information provided by the patient. In most, if not all virtual groups, there is a rule that anything the participants hear is to be kept confidential. The participants are also encouraged to only use first names when identifying themselves or loved ones. Some groups keep their participants anonymous as well.
It is always important to look at the organization providing the virtual support groups to ensure they have the credentials and authority. Virtual support groups may be offered by nonprofit organization, clinics, hospitals or community organizations, these are all reliable sources.
Cancer.net
This website is directed at individuals who have cancer as well as caregivers. It can be tailored to what type of cancer is affecting the person as well as what type of support you need whether it be emotional, education or both. These groups are done by either newgroups and electronic mailing lists, discussion groups, or chat rooms. Chat rooms are done electronically by communicating to another person in real time by typing messages back and forth.
www.intermountainhealinghearts.org
This website is a Utah based website serving families of children and adults with congenital heart defects as well as childhood onset heart disease in Utah. Their support group is based on Facebook. On the website it has a link to fill out a membership application then to request to join the Intermountain Healing Hearts Facebook group. On this group families can post and receive feedback from other members of the group.
Mentalhealthamerica.net
This website is directed at people that suffer from mental illnesses. It is designed to promote mental health. The support groups offered by this website are for individuals with mental illnesses, their family members or their friends. Their groups can be peer-led or led by a mental health professional. They offer online support groups, blogs and online communities. There is also a link that lets you post a question you may have that allows other individuals to reply.
There are many websites and organizations that provide online support groups. If you or a loved one could benefit from an online support group, you could search online, go to a local hospital or clinic, or look at your community resources to find a support group that will help you.
Information Retrieved from
Eysenbach, G., Powell, J., Englesakis, M., Rizo, C., & Stern, A. (2004). Health related virtual communities and electronic support groups: systematic review of the effects of online peer to peer interactions. BMJ, 328, 1166. Doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.328.7449.1166
Grisham, J. (2013). Virtual programs provides patients with online cancer support and education. Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Retrieved from https://www.mskcc.org/blog/virtual-groups-provide-patients-online-support-and-education
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