Online Applications for Cancer Social Support: A Review of Reviews

Fei Yu, Sujin Kim, Lixin Song

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

Online cancer social-support groups (OCSSGs) are essential for providing emotional support, information exchange, and connection to individuals affected by cancer. However, significant knowledge gaps exist in the evidence syntheses of OCSSGs. Therefore, we reviewed 16 eligible reviews, predominantly published between 2011 and 2021 and primarily contributed by researchers from the USA and Australia. While patients with various types of cancer were studied, breast cancer and women were more extensively investigated as compared with other cancer types and males. Various OCSSG applications were identified, with Facebook groups, Twitter, and CHESS (Comprehensive Health Enhancement Support System) consistently highlighted. Positive or mixed health outcomes, including improved quality of life, reduced stress, and decreased anxiety, were reported across all reviews. However, notable gaps remain in research, including the need to investigate cancer types beyond breast cancer, explore enterprise-hosted OCSSG applications and applications for non-English speaking patients, validate theoretical frameworks, provide technology guidelines for OCSSG adoption and adherence, and address ethical considerations for monitored or peer-led support. Our findings warrant further research in this field.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationProceedings - 2024 IEEE 12th International Conference on Healthcare Informatics, ICHI 2024
PublisherInstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc.
Pages544-546
Number of pages3
ISBN (Electronic)9798350383737
DOIs
StatePublished - 2024
Event12th IEEE International Conference on Healthcare Informatics, ICHI 2024 - Orlando, United States
Duration: Jun 3 2024Jun 6 2024

Publication series

NameProceedings - 2024 IEEE 12th International Conference on Healthcare Informatics, ICHI 2024

Conference

Conference12th IEEE International Conference on Healthcare Informatics, ICHI 2024
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityOrlando
Period6/3/246/6/24

Keywords

  • cancer survivorship
  • literature reviews
  • online cancer social support

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Computer Vision and Pattern Recognition
  • Information Systems and Management
  • Statistics, Probability and Uncertainty
  • Health Informatics

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Online Applications for Cancer Social Support: A Review of Reviews'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this