Peer-to-peer online communities for people with chronic diseases: a conceptual framework

Purpose – This paper aims to examine peer‐to‐peer online communities for people with chronic diseases in order to present a conceptual framework that identifies the needs of members. This framework aims to improve understanding of the role of these communities in the enhancement of people's self‐management of chronic disease care.Design/methodology/approach – A conceptual framework is drawn from the literature and tested against three illustrative case studies using an ethnographic approach. Taking an objective perspective, the data were examined against the proposed framework. The iterative cycle of qualitative analysis supported reflection through the ongoing observation of the case communities over several months.Findings – The research underpins identification of members' needs as presented in the framework. It finds that the constructs of the shared space provide a context for the identified needs of members which are revised to reflect the findings. Social needs are broadened to include the powerful...

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