Living with Chordoma Online: A Thematic Analysis of User's Experiences in an Online Cancer Support Group
The internet has revolutionized the way people are able to seek information and express themselves. Many fields have been dramatically impacted by its occurrence and the health field is no exception. It is becoming increasingly popular to participate in online discussion forums centered on healt...
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Virginia Tech
2014
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| Online Access: | http://hdl.handle.net/10919/32711 http://scholar.lib.vt.edu/theses/available/etd-05132009-155110/ |
| Summary: | The internet has revolutionized the way people are able to seek information and
express themselves. Many fields have been dramatically impacted by its occurrence and the
health field is no exception. It is becoming increasingly popular to participate in online
discussion forums centered on health-related topics. The goal of this research is to describe
participantsâ experience of using an on-line forum focused on Chordoma, a rare form of
cancer. Analysis of free-response questionnaires filled out by members of the forum,
revealed four key themes: (a) the forum is a source of invaluable information, (b) the forum
is a source for emotional support and hope, (c) members share a unique bond that often
results in friendship, and (d) membersâ involvement changes over time. Benefits obtained by
the users and implications for medical professionals are discussed. === Master of Science |
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