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Jeffs LV, Dunbar JC, Syed S, Ng C, Pollack AH. Navigating normalcy: designing personal health visualizations for pediatric kidney transplant recipients and caregivers. J Am Med Inform Assoc 2024:ocae206. [PMID: 39078283 DOI: 10.1093/jamia/ocae206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2024] [Revised: 06/20/2024] [Accepted: 07/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/31/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Patients with chronic illnesses, including kidney disease, consider their sense of normalcy when evaluating their health. Although this concept is a key indicator of their self-determined well-being, they struggle to understand if their experience is typical. To address this challenge, we set out to explore how to design personal health visualizations that aid participants in better understanding their experiences post-transplant, identifying barriers to normalcy, and achieving their desired medical outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS Pediatric kidney transplant patients and their caregivers participated in three asynchronous design sessions involving sharing experiences, presenting symbolic objects, and providing feedback on visualizations to understand their perceptions of normalcy post-transplant. Data analysis of design session 1 and 2 comprised deductive and inductive analysis. We used affinity diagramming to identify thematic areas about participants' transplant experiences. Comprehension of design session three normalcy visualizations was also evaluated. RESULTS Participants effectively engaged in the design sessions, revealing diverse perspectives on their experiences. We found there is a significant need for visualizations that depict normalcy to better inform patients and caregivers about their health. DISCUSSION Normalcy Visualizations should incorporate three key design principles: personal values, facilitating peer and self-comparison, and seamlessly communicating abstract concepts to help youth kidney transplant recipients comprehend and contextualize if their transplant experience is normal and what normalcy means to them. CONCLUSION By incorporating holistic aspects of patients' and caregivers' lives into personal health visualizations, they can be cognizant of their progress to normalcy and empowered to make decisions that help them feel normal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lily V Jeffs
- Information School, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, United States
| | - Julia C Dunbar
- Information School, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, United States
| | - Sanaa Syed
- Information School, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, United States
| | - Chelsea Ng
- Division of Nephrology, Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, WA 98105, United States
| | - Ari H Pollack
- Information School, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, United States
- Division of Nephrology, Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, WA 98105, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98105, United States
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Sefidgar YS, Castillo CL, Chopra S, Jiang L, Jones T, Mittal A, Ryu H, Schroeder J, Cole A, Murinova N, Munson SA, Fogarty J. MigraineTracker: Examining Patient Experiences with Goal-Directed Self-Tracking for a Chronic Health Condition. PROCEEDINGS OF THE SIGCHI CONFERENCE ON HUMAN FACTORS IN COMPUTING SYSTEMS. CHI CONFERENCE 2024; 2024:129. [PMID: 38741616 PMCID: PMC11090491 DOI: 10.1145/3613904.3642075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
Self-tracking and personal informatics offer important potential in chronic condition management, but such potential is often undermined by difficulty in aligning self-tracking tools to an individual's goals. Informed by prior proposals of goal-directed tracking, we designed and developed MigraineTracker, a prototype app that emphasizes explicit expression of goals for migraine-related self-tracking. We then examined migraine patient experiences in a deployment study for an average of 12+ months, including a total of 50 interview sessions with 10 patients working with 3 different clinicians. Patients were able to express multiple types of goals, evolve their goals over time, align tracking to their goals, personalize their tracking, reflect in the context of their goals, and gain insights that enabled understanding, communication, and action. We discuss how these results highlight the importance of accounting for distinct and concurrent goals in personal informatics together with implications for the design of future goal-directed personal informatics tools.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Shaan Chopra
- University of Washington Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Liwei Jiang
- University of Washington Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Tae Jones
- University of Washington Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Anant Mittal
- University of Washington Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Hyeyoung Ryu
- University of Washington Seattle, Washington, USA
| | | | - Allison Cole
- University of Washington Seattle, Washington, USA
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Gomula J, Warner M, Blandford A. Women's use of online health and social media resources to make sense of their polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) diagnosis: a qualitative study. BMC Womens Health 2024; 24:157. [PMID: 38443902 PMCID: PMC10913566 DOI: 10.1186/s12905-024-02993-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND With the growing availability of online health resources and the widespread use of social media to better understand health conditions, people are increasingly making sense of and managing their health conditions using resources beyond their health professionals and personal networks. However, where the condition is complex and poorly understood, this can involve extensive "patient work" to locate, interpret and test the information available. The overall purpose of this study was to investigate how women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) across two healthcare systems engage with online health resources and social media to better understand this complex and poorly understood lifelong endocrine disorder. METHODS A semi-structured interview study was conducted with women from the US ( N = 8 ) and UK ( N = 7 ) who had been diagnosed with PCOS within the previous five years. Transcribed data was analysed using a reflexive thematic analysis method. RESULTS We highlight the information needs and information-seeking strategies women use to make sense of how PCOS affects them, to gain emotional support, and to help them find an effective treatment. We also show how women with PCOS use online health and social media resources to compare themselves to women they view as "normal" and other women with PCOS, to find their sense of "normal for me" along a spectrum of this disorder. CONCLUSION We draw on previous models of sense-making and finding normal for other complex and sensitive health conditions to capture the nuances of making sense of PCOS. We also discuss implications for the design and use of social media to support people managing PCOS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Gomula
- Computer Science Department, UCL, Gower Street, London, UK
| | - Mark Warner
- Computer Science Department, UCL, Gower Street, London, UK.
| | - Ann Blandford
- Computer Science Department, UCL, Gower Street, London, UK
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Pollock MD, Brotkin SM, Denio E, Dave S, Fisher EB, Docherty SL, Maslow GR. Clinical Application of a Peer Coaching Intervention to Enhance Self-Management for Adolescents and Young Adults With Inflammatory Bowel Disease. CLINICAL PRACTICE IN PEDIATRIC PSYCHOLOGY 2022; 10:409-427. [PMID: 37701558 PMCID: PMC10497228 DOI: 10.1037/cpp0000468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/14/2023]
Abstract
Objective The purpose of this article is to characterize the current evidence base related to peer support interventions for adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and to describe a peer support program to enhance self-management for AYAs with IBD through a case study. There is strong theory and compelling evidence suggesting that AYAs with IBD could benefit from and are interested in receiving peer support to enhance self-management; however, literature on peer support interventions for AYAs with IBD is lacking. Methods This study (a) presents a topical review describing qualitative factors AYAs with IBD would seek in a peer support program as well as existing peer support programs for this population, (b) presents an innovative one-to-one peer support program targeting self-management through a case study, and (c) discusses clinical implications and directions for future research. Results Peer support offers a promising approach for AYAs with IBD that is feasible and acceptable to patient populations. However, results from the present topical review identified only two studies that examined peer support interventions for AYAs with IBD. The case study demonstrates how a theoretically driven program uses peer support to promote self-management and adaptive behavioral change. Conclusions The paucity of literature in this area reveals a critical opportunity for future research and clinical programming to improve existing practices by leveraging peer support. We present the application of an innovative mobile-based peer coaching intervention that has the potential to support AYAs with IBD in their self-management.
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Affiliation(s)
- McLean D. Pollock
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine
| | | | - Erin Denio
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine
| | - Sneha Dave
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine
| | - Edwin B. Fisher
- Department of Health Behavior, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
| | | | - Gary R. Maslow
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine
- Department of Pediatrics, Duke University School of Medicine
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Cerón-Guzmán JA, Tetteroo D, Hu J, Markopoulos P. “Not Sure Sharing Does Anything Extra for Me”: Understanding How People with Cardiovascular Disease Conceptualize Sharing Personal Health Data with Peers. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19159508. [PMID: 35954863 PMCID: PMC9368547 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19159508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Revised: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
As people deal with cardiovascular disease (CVD), they are to self-monitor routinely and be aware of complications and the corresponding course of action. Engaging in these self-care behaviors is conducive to gaining knowledge of health status. Even so, knowledge of the self may be insufficient in making sense of chronic conditions. In constructing a new normal after health-related life disruptions, people often turn to peers (others facing similar health issues) and share personal health information with each other. Although health information-sharing behavior is well-documented, it remains underexplored what attitudes individuals with chronic conditions, such as CVD, have toward disclosing personal health data to peers and exploring those of others with similar conditions. We surveyed 39 people who reported being diagnosed with CVD to understand how they conceptualize sharing personal health data with their peers. By analyzing qualitative survey data thematically, we found that respondents expressed themselves as uncertain about the benefits of interacting with peers in such a manner. At the same time, they recognized an opportunity to learn new ideas to enhance CVD self-care in mutual data sharing. We also report participants’ analytical orientation toward this sort of data sharing herein and elaborate on what sharing a range of personal health data could mean. In light of the existing literature, this study unpacks the notion of sharing in a different population/pathology and with more nuance, particularly by distinguishing between disclosing one’s data and exploring others’.
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Mitchell EG, Heitkemper EM, Burgermaster M, Levine ME, Miao Y, Hwang ML, Desai PM, Cassells A, Tobin JN, Tabak EG, Albers DJ, Smaldone AM, Mamykina L. From Reflection to Action: Combining Machine Learning with Expert Knowledge for Nutrition Goal Recommendations. PROCEEDINGS OF THE SIGCHI CONFERENCE ON HUMAN FACTORS IN COMPUTING SYSTEMS. CHI CONFERENCE 2021; 2021:206. [PMID: 35514864 PMCID: PMC9067367 DOI: 10.1145/3411764.3445555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Self-tracking can help personalize self-management interventions for chronic conditions like type 2 diabetes (T2D), but reflecting on personal data requires motivation and literacy. Machine learning (ML) methods can identify patterns, but a key challenge is making actionable suggestions based on personal health data. We introduce GlucoGoalie, which combines ML with an expert system to translate ML output into personalized nutrition goal suggestions for individuals with T2D. In a controlled experiment, participants with T2D found that goal suggestions were understandable and actionable. A 4-week in-the-wild deployment study showed that receiving goal suggestions augmented participants' self-discovery, choosing goals highlighted the multifaceted nature of personal preferences, and the experience of following goals demonstrated the importance of feedback and context. However, we identified tensions between abstract goals and concrete eating experiences and found static text too ambiguous for complex concepts. We discuss implications for ML-based interventions and the need for systems that offer more interactivity, feedback, and negotiation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Marissa Burgermaster
- Department of Population Health, Dell Medical School, and Department of Nutritional Sciences, The University of Texas at Austin
| | - Matthew E. Levine
- Department of Computing and Mathematical Sciences, California Institute of Technology
| | - Yishen Miao
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of California Santa Barbara
| | | | - Pooja M. Desai
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Columbia University
| | | | | | | | - David J. Albers
- University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Section of Informatics and Data Science, Departments of Pediatrics, Biomedical Engineering, and Biostatistics and Informatics, and Department of Biomedical Informatics, Columbia University
| | | | - Lena Mamykina
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Columbia University
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Bereavement, Grief and Adult Type 1 Diabetes: Living With Diabetes Today. Can J Diabetes 2020; 44:545-548. [PMID: 32653156 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcjd.2020.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2019] [Revised: 03/13/2020] [Accepted: 04/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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Breuning M, Schäfer-Fauth L, Lucius-Hoene G, Holmberg C. Connecting one's own illness story to the illness experiences of others on a website-An evaluation study using the think aloud method. PATIENT EDUCATION AND COUNSELING 2020; 103:199-207. [PMID: 31466883 DOI: 10.1016/j.pec.2019.08.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2018] [Revised: 07/28/2019] [Accepted: 08/10/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE It is well described how telling one's illness story can help to cope with illness, but little is known about the processes of reception of other people's stories. This study aimed to analyse patients' reception processes of other patients' experiences while using a website (www.krankheitserfahrungen.de - DIPEx Germany). METHODS A text analysis of think aloud transcripts was conducted, using data from a usability study of the website krankheitserfahrungen.de. Twenty patients with the same conditions as presented on the website (chronic pain, diabetes type 2, inflammatory bowel disease, epilepsy) were assigned to the study, asked to use the website and concurrently to think aloud. The sessions were audio recorded, transcribed and analysed using grounded theory methodology. RESULTS Study participants started to talk about their own illness experiences while using the website. They constantly compared their experiences with those they read about. Participants' verbalised experiences were categorised according to three underlying themes: significant emotions, unresolved problems, and inevitability and acceptance. CONCLUSION Reception of a variety of illness experiences presented online led patients to consider their own challenges in coping with their illness. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS Providing other patients' experiences in information and education materials helps patients to deal with their own illness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Breuning
- Department of Rehabilitation Psychology and Psychotherapy, Institute of Psychology, University of Freiburg, Engelbergerstraße 41, 79106 Freiburg, Germany.
| | - Lisa Schäfer-Fauth
- Department of Rehabilitation Psychology and Psychotherapy, Institute of Psychology, University of Freiburg, Engelbergerstraße 41, 79106 Freiburg, Germany.
| | - Gabriele Lucius-Hoene
- Department of Rehabilitation Psychology and Psychotherapy, Institute of Psychology, University of Freiburg, Engelbergerstraße 41, 79106 Freiburg, Germany.
| | - Christine Holmberg
- Institute of Social Medicine and Epidemiology, Brandenburg Medical School Theodor Fontane, Hochstrasse 15, 14770 Brandenburg an der Havel, Germany.
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Abstract
PurposeUsing a sense making approach, the purpose of this paper is to examine the role that virtual health communities play as a source of informational and social support for pregnant diabetic women. The paper helps to understand how women suffering from a critical medical condition (i.e. diabetes during pregnancy and birth) manage a complex health situation.Design/methodology/approachThe data sample consisted of 507 posts collected from a virtual health community for diabetic pregnant women. Data were analysed deductively looking for different expressions of normality and different types of health information about diabetes.FindingsContent analysis revealed four themes that reflect the process that diabetic women go through from their attempts to conceive through pregnancy and birth. The findings show that for women dealing with a chronic illness such as diabetes, the breakdown of normal was the beginning of the pregnancy that prompted a new range of informational and emotional needs. The members of the community negotiated a socially constructed sense of normality and tried to empower other members with a new sense of normal by sharing information about their births. The findings also showed that members of the community disclosed personal health information to elicit medical information, advice and social support from other members.Originality/valueThe study highlighted the significance of sense-making processes in managing complex health situations and the value of virtual communities as sources of information and social support as to resolve discontinuities in the management of their illnesses.
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Litchman ML, Edelman LS. Perceptions of the Diabetes Online Community's Credibility, Social Capital, and Help and Harm: Cross-Sectional Comparison Between Baby Boomers and Younger Adults. JMIR Aging 2019; 2:e10857. [PMID: 31573907 PMCID: PMC6787528 DOI: 10.2196/10857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2018] [Revised: 02/01/2019] [Accepted: 04/04/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The use of online health communities such as the diabetes online community (DOC) is growing. Individuals who engage in the DOC are able to interact with peers who have the same medical condition. It is not known if older adults are perceiving the DOC differently compared with younger adults. Objective The purpose of this study was to explore and understand how the DOC is perceived in terms of social capital, source credibility, and help and harm. The findings from this study will shed light on how users of different age groups (baby boomers and younger adult counterparts) perceive DOC use. Methods This study represents a subset of participants from a larger study of DOC users. Baby boomers and younger adults with diabetes were recruited from the DOC to participate in a cross-sectional survey. Demographics, electronic health use (reasons to join the DOC, DOC intensity, DOC engagement, internet social capital, and help or harm from the DOC), source credibility, health-related quality of life, and diabetes self-care data were collected. We examined the differences between baby boomer and younger adult responses. Results The participants included baby boomers (N=76) and younger adult counterparts (N=102). Participants scored their diabetes health care team (mean 33.5 [SD 8]) significantly higher than the DOC (mean 32 [SD 6.4]) with regard to competence (P<.05) and trustworthiness (diabetes health care team mean 36.3 [SD 7.1]; DOC mean 33.6 [SD 6.2]; P<.001). High bonding and bridging social capital correlated with high DOC intensity (r=.629; P<.001 and r=.676; P<.001, respectively) and high DOC engagement (r=.474; P<.01 and r=.507; P≤.01, respectively). The greater majority (69.8%) reported the DOC as being helpful, and 1.8% reported that the DOC had caused minor harm. Baby boomers perceived DOC credibility, social capital, help, and harm similarly to their younger adult counterparts. Conclusions Baby boomers are using and perceiving the DOC similarly to younger adults. DOC users find the DOC to be credible; however, they scored their health care team higher with regard to competence and trustworthiness. The DOC is beneficial with low risk and may augment current diabetes care.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Linda S Edelman
- University of Utah, College of Nursing, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
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11
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Litchman ML, Wawrzynski SE, Woodruff WS, Arrington JB, Nguyen QC, Gee PM. Continuous Glucose Monitoring in the Real World Using Photosurveillance of #Dexcom on Instagram: Exploratory Mixed Methods Study. JMIR Public Health Surveill 2019; 5:e11024. [PMID: 31127724 PMCID: PMC6555117 DOI: 10.2196/11024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2018] [Revised: 09/14/2018] [Accepted: 03/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Individuals with diabetes are using social media as a method to share and gather information about their health via the diabetes online community. Infoveillance is one methodological approach to examine health care trends. However, infoveillance, while very effective in identifying many real-world health trends, may miss opportunities that use photographs as primary sources for data. We propose a new methodology, photosurveillance, in which photographs are analyzed to examine real-world trends. Objective The purpose of this research is to (1) assess the use of photosurveillance as a research method to examine real-world trends in diabetes and (2) report on real-world use of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) on Instagram. Methods This exploratory mixed methods study examined all photographs posted on Instagram that were identified with the hashtag #dexcom over a 3-month period—December 2016 to February 2017. Photographs were coded by CGM location on the body. Original posts and corresponding comments were textually coded for length of CGM device wear and CGM failure and were analyzed for emerging themes. Results A total of 2923 photographs were manually screened; 12.08% (353/2923) depicted a photograph with a CGM site location. The majority (225/353, 63.7%) of the photographs showed a CGM site in an off-label location, while 26.2% (92/353) were in an FDA-approved location (ie, abdomen) and 10.2% (36/353) were in an unidentifiable location. There were no significant differences in the number of likes or comments based on US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval. Five themes emerged from the analysis of original posts (N=353) and corresponding comments (N=2364): (1) endorsement of CGM as providing a sense of well-being; (2) reciprocating information, encouragement, and support; (3) reciprocating CGM-related frustrations; (4) life hacks to optimize CGM use; and (5) sharing and learning about off-label CGM activity. Conclusions Our results indicate that individuals successfully used CGM in off-label locations, posting photos of these areas with greater frequency than of the abdomen, with no indication of sensor failure. While these photographs only capture a snapshot in time, these posts can be used to inform providers and industry leaders of real-world trends in CGM use. Additionally, there were instances in which sensors were worn beyond the FDA-approved 7-day period; however, they represented the minority in this study.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sarah E Wawrzynski
- College of Nursing, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States.,Intermountain Healthcare, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Whitney S Woodruff
- College of Nursing, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Joseph B Arrington
- Department of Biology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Quynh C Nguyen
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, United States
| | - Perry M Gee
- College of Nursing, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States.,Intermountain Healthcare, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
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12
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Litchman ML, Walker HR, Ng AH, Wawrzynski SE, Oser SM, Greenwood DA, Gee PM, Lackey M, Oser TK. State of the Science: A Scoping Review and Gap Analysis of Diabetes Online Communities. J Diabetes Sci Technol 2019; 13:466-492. [PMID: 30854884 PMCID: PMC6501517 DOI: 10.1177/1932296819831042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Individuals with diabetes are using online resources to engage in diabetes online communities to find diabetes-related support and information. The benefits and consequences of DOC (diabetes online community) use are unclear. This scoping review aims to map existing research focused on organic DOCs in which individuals affected by diabetes are interacting with peers. METHOD A scoping review was conducted to comprehensively report and synthesize relevant literature published prior to 2018. Attention was paid to variations in study design, DOC user and platform characteristics, and potential or actual benefits and consequences. RESULTS Of the 14 486 titles identified, 47 articles met the inclusion criteria and were included in this scoping review. No overt definition of the DOC could be identified. Perceived or actual benefits associated with DOC use can be broadly categorized as clinical, behavioral, psychosocial and community outcomes. Perceived, potential, or actual consequences associated with DOC use were categorized as quality of information, risky behavior exploration, acute concerns, psychosocial, privacy, and inactivity. CONCLUSIONS The results of this review strongly suggest DOC use is highly beneficial with relatively few negative consequences. DOC use is an emerging area of research and research gaps exist. Future research should seek to identify benefits and consequences to DOC use in experimental trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle L. Litchman
- College of Nursing, University of Utah,
Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
- Utah Diabetes and Endocrinology Center,
Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Heather R. Walker
- College of Applied Health Sciences,
University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Ashley H. Ng
- Department of Dietetics, Nutrition and
Sport, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, Australia
| | | | - Sean M. Oser
- Department of Family and Community
Medicine, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
| | | | - Perry M. Gee
- College of Nursing, University of Utah,
Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
- Intermountain Healthcare, Nursing
Research, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Mellanye Lackey
- Spencer S. Eccles Health Sciences
Library, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Tamara K. Oser
- Department of Family and Community
Medicine, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
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Bussone A, Stumpf S, Wilson S. The use of online forums by people living with HIV for help in understanding personal health information. Int J Med Inform 2017; 108:64-70. [PMID: 29132633 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijmedinf.2017.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2017] [Revised: 09/27/2017] [Accepted: 10/01/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Effective self-management of the human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency virus (HIV/AIDS) requires constant vigilance over personal health information. Little is known about the contribution of online communities to this endeavour. This paper reports a study to investigate how people living with HIV/AIDS use an online community to try to understand their personal health information by analysing how health information is shared and asked about, and how the community responds to questions. METHODS A webscraper was used to gather all messages in the 200 most recently active threads in an online forum for people living with HIV/AIDS, resulting in a total of 2455 messages. These were filtered for all instances of individuals sharing their personal health information and asking the community for help in understanding it. Thematic analysis was used to determine the types of questions asked, the personal health information shared and the information that was asked about. Messages from the community aiming to address the questions were analysed using a framework of social support. RESULTS Approximately 10% of the 2455 messages were found to be involved in this activity: 60 messages contained questions, and 192 messages responded to address the questions. The most frequent type of question was about causation. While users shared a wide variety of information about their health, they most commonly asked about reactions, lab results, and other conditions. Nearly all the messages from the community that aimed to answer the questions provided informational support, which is a type of social support, and the community shared their own personal experiences in these responses. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates that online forums are used by people living with HIV to ask specific questions as a means of understanding their personal health information. The analysis provides a better understanding of the questions that people living with HIV have about their health information, and the types of support they receive from the community. The results provide a basis for further research into community support and self-management and will enable improved tools to support self-management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrian Bussone
- Centre for HCI Design, School of Mathematics, Computer Science, and Engineering, City, University of London, Northampton Square, London EC1V 0HB, UK.
| | - Simone Stumpf
- Centre for HCI Design, School of Mathematics, Computer Science, and Engineering, City, University of London, Northampton Square, London EC1V 0HB, UK
| | - Stephanie Wilson
- Centre for HCI Design, School of Mathematics, Computer Science, and Engineering, City, University of London, Northampton Square, London EC1V 0HB, UK
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