Abstract

CHAPARRO-DIAZ, Lorena. ICT as a Social Support Mechanism for Family Caregivers of People with Chronic Illness: a Case Study. Aquichan [online]. 2013, vol.13, n.1, pp.27-40. ISSN 1657-5997.

Introduction: Social support encouraged by nurses and as a strategy for family caregivers (FCs) is a phenomenon that, although old, is currently challenged to promote care through online social networks. Objective: To describe and analyze the use of information and communication technology (ICT) as a social support mechanism for FCs of individuals with chronic illnesses. Design: The method was a descriptive exploratory study with a qualitative approach undertaken in Bogota in 2010. The case study included 20 FCs of individuals with chronic illnesses who used a blog. Based on Rodger's theoretical model the ICT strategy "Diffusion of innovations" was created in three phases: 1) Blog design allowing interactions through chat, forum, and email consultation. 2) Implementing the strategy for 4 months with 16 hours a day caregiver support service; the information was obtained through field diaries and a final interview. 3) Analysis of the information to describe how caregivers perceived the social support obtained through blog use. Results: The results describe the way in which they perceived their technological abilities and their ability to use the blog. The main categories found were care, interaction, experience, and technology. Discussion: Results were compared with those from social support reports addressing e-learning for health and theoretical perspectives on online social support.

Keywords : Nursing; caregivers; medical informatics; chronic disease; health.

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