Title: Designing and evaluating online communities for promoting self-management of chronic low back pain

Authors: Sara Rubinelli, Peter J. Schulz, Fausto Vago

Addresses: Institute of Communication and Health, University of Lugano, Via Buffi 13, 6904 Lugano (CH), Switzerland. ' Institute of Communication and Health, University of Lugano, Via Buffi 13, 6904 Lugano (CH), Switzerland. ' Institute of Communication and Health, University of Lugano, Via Buffi 13, 6904 Lugano (CH), Switzerland

Abstract: This study discusses the organisation of a virtual community composed of health professionals and patients affected by chronic low back pain. The community was created as part of a pilot study for promoting self-management of the disease. The article deals with the social and theoretical framework behind the development of the community, as well as with the way health professionals and patients interact on a website specifically designed for the project. A discussion on the evaluation of the results completes the enlightenment of crucial factors for further applications in the field.

Keywords: health communication; internet; virtual communities; self-management; pain management; chronic low back pain; tailoring health messages; doctor-patient interaction; web-based communities; online communities; healthcare technology; health professionals; patients.

DOI: 10.1504/IJWBC.2008.016492

International Journal of Web Based Communities, 2008 Vol.4 No.1, pp.80 - 97

Published online: 02 Jan 2008 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article