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Title: |
Study of web-based peer discussion: the domain of scleroderma |
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Author: |
Daniel Lorence, Kirk Saylor 
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Address: |
The Center for Technology Assessment, University Park, PA 16802, USA. ' School of Information Science and Technology, Penn State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA |
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Journal: |
International Journal of Healthcare Technology and Management 2008 - Vol. 9, No.3 pp. 275 - 302 |
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Abstract: |
The growing popularity of the internet has made it easier and faster to find health information on rare and poorly understood disease topics. Much of this information is valuable, though the internet also allows rapid and widespread distribution of false and misleading information, especially through peer-based networks. Providers frequently advise that it is important for people to carefully consider the source of lay information and to discuss the clinical information they find with their healthcare provider. Using a grounded theory approach, we seek to identify recurring themes of peer-based interaction, in a domain of frequent clinical uncertainty and oft perceived social stigma, scleroderma. |
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Keywords: |
chat; chatrooms; web-based peer discussion; domain of uncertainty; hierarchy; internet; scleroderma; health information; peer networks; clinical information; medical information; lay information; misleading information; false information; trust; healthcare technology. |
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DOI: |
10.1504/IJHTM.2008.018218 |
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