Jacqueline L Bender, Stephanie Babinski, Geoff Wong, Andrea C Tricco, Marina Englesakis, Alaina B Cyr, Henry Potts, Olga Perski, Mary Jane Esplen, Colleen Young, Richard Wassersug, Victoria Forster, Janet Papadakos, Charlene Soobiah, Colleen Fox, Alison Gothard-Huang, Holly Witteman
INTRODUCTION: Considerable observational evidence suggests that cancer online support groups reduce feelings of isolation, depression and anxiety, enhance coping and self-management, and lead to better informed patients. Other studies indicate that cancer online support groups can increase distress. Yet no studies theorise the complex, context-dependent mechanisms by which cancer online support groups generate their-sometimes contrasting-outcomes. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: Guided by an integrated knowledge translation approach and the strategy for patient-oriented research, we will conduct a realist review of cancer online support groups in partnership with stakeholders...
November 3, 2021: BMJ Open