ICT as a Social Support Mechanism for Family Caregivers of People with Chronic Illness: A Case Study

Abstract

DOI: 10.5294/aqui.2013.13.1.3

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 andcommunication technology (ICT) as a social support mechanism for FCs of individuals with chronic illnesses. Design: The method wasa descriptive exploratory study with a qualitative approach undertaken in Bogota in 2010. The case study included 20 FCs of individualswith chronic illnesses who used a blog. Based on Rodger´s theoretical model the ICT strategy “Diffusion of innovations” was created inthree phases: 1) Blog design allowing interactions through chat, forum, and email consultation. 2) Implementing the strategy for 4 monthswith 16 hours a day caregiver support service; the information was obtained through field diaries and a final interview. 3) Analysis ofthe information to describe how caregivers perceived the social support obtained through blog use. Results: The results describe the wayin 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 healthand theoretical perspectives on online social support. DOI: 10.5294/aqui.2013.13.1.3