An exploration of the types of information and support shared on an online kidney cancer discussion forum.

Why this project was conducted?

The project was conducted to explore the types of information and support shared on an online kidney cancer discussion forum.

How this study was carried out?

The project involved observing and exploring the types of information shared on a kidney cancer online discussion forum.

Why is this research important?

The conversations which were observed gave an insight to the types of people who use the forum. These were mainly patients living with kidney cancer and family members/carers of patients.

When was this project conducted?

The project was carried out between November 2009 and August 2010.

What were the main findings of this project?

Observing conversations allowed an insight to the particular types of information and advice which both patients living with kidney cancer and carers requested and received from each other. Through exploring the content of the discussions, it was possible to identify concerns which people affected by kidney cancer have, and also the stage of the kidney cancer journey at which these concerns are most prominent.

An advantage of this type of project is the potential for concerns and issues raised by users to be used as a resource for improving services for present and future patients living with kidney cancer and also for carers. For example, it was possible to observe whether patients and carers felt they had received, or were receiving adequate information and support from health care professionals. Knowledge of this type of information can be used to provide feedback to health care professionals to increase awareness of patients' and carers' perceptions of their experience with health care professionals. Therefore, ways of improving services to suit the needs of patients and carers more effectively can be designed.

Contact

For any further information, please contact Dr Zoë Skea ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ) 

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