Use of the Internet by Health Professionals and Consumer Support Groups: a case analysis

Authors

Rachel McLean, Manchester Metropolitan University
Oliver G. Kayas, Manchester Metropolitan University
Alison Henderson, Eye Believe Support Group

Abstract

This paper outlines case study research with "Eye Believe " a support group for patients who have had an eye removed usually (but not exclusively) due to ocular melanoma (cancer of the eye). It is a participative action research (PAR) project. The aim is to adopt a user-centric socio-technical approach to developing an online community to offer information and support to the group. The project will draw upon theories of knowledge creation and management through socialization, user participation in a health service context and the sociology of technology. In its initial stages the research was explorative. However, a conflict of interests immediately arose between the support group members and the health service representatives. Through this conflict it is anticipated that the research will now adopt a Critical Social Theory (CST) approach in aiming to empower the member's of Eye Believe through their online community.

Recommended Citation

McLean, Rachel; Kayas, Oliver G.; and Henderson, Alison (2005) "Use of the Internet by Health Professionals and Consumer Support Groups: a case analysis," Communications of the IIMA: Vol. 5: Iss. 4, Article 14.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.58729/1941-6687.1288
Available at: https://scholarworks.lib.csusb.edu/ciima/vol5/iss4/14