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Pham J, Nguyen C, Fote G, Shah I, Khoshniyati S, Chen JW. Utility and Efficacy of a Virtual Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus Support Group. World Neurosurg 2025; 195:123724. [PMID: 39909105 DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2025.123724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2024] [Revised: 01/18/2025] [Accepted: 01/20/2025] [Indexed: 02/07/2025]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) is a neurodegenerative process for which our team previously demonstrated the efficacy of an in-person NPH support group. However, in this study, we aimed to examine the educational benefits and efficacy of a virtual NPH support group. METHODS Monthly virtual meetings were held from July 2022 to June 2023 for NPH patients and their friends/families. The format of each meeting consisted of a physician-led presentation, question and answer sessions, group discussions, and polls to evaluate the meeting. The survey included questions to gather participant demographics and evaluate the benefits of education, emotional well-being, and virtual format. RESULTS Over one year, 11 virtual support group meetings were held and attended by 343 participants. The average survey ratings for gained knowledge, self-efficacy, and satisfaction ranged from 4.15 to 4.60 on a five-point scale, demonstrating strongly positive outcomes since a score above 3 is considered favorable. In this study, patients reported improved education, coping and communication skills, and emotional support. We also demonstrated high participant satisfaction and continued interest in meetings. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates that virtual, physician-led support groups can be effective in providing education, emotional, and peer support for NPH patients and their friends/families. Improved knowledge and accessibility to educational and social resources can improve patient health outcomes by improving adherence to physician recommendations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judy Pham
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, Irvine Medical Center, Orange, USA.
| | - Christopher Nguyen
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, Irvine Medical Center, Orange, USA
| | - Gianna Fote
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, Irvine Medical Center, Orange, USA
| | - Ishan Shah
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, Irvine Medical Center, Orange, USA
| | - Sara Khoshniyati
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, Irvine Medical Center, Orange, USA
| | - Jefferson W Chen
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, Irvine Medical Center, Orange, USA
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Zhang Y, Shen B, Meng W, Gao B, Wang T, Geng Y. Correlation of internalized stigma with self-esteem, social support and coping styles in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: A cross-sectional study. Jpn J Nurs Sci 2024; 21:e12616. [PMID: 39136343 DOI: 10.1111/jjns.12616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2024] [Revised: 07/23/2024] [Accepted: 07/25/2024] [Indexed: 10/03/2024]
Abstract
AIM To understand the status of internalized stigma in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and explore its relationship with self-esteem, social support, and coping style. METHODS This cross-sectional study selected patients with RA who visited the Rheumatology and Immunology Department of a tertiary hospital from May 2022 to May 2023. The Chinese versions of the Internalized Stigma of Mental Illness Scale-Rheumatoid Arthritis (ISMI-RA), Social Support Rating Scale, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, and Medical Coping Style Questionnaire were administered to assess the internalized stigma, social support, self-esteem, and coping styles, respectively. The Pearson correlation test or Spearman rank correlation was then used to analyze the correlation between these measures. RESULTS Overall, 69.5% participants reported high level of internalized stigma. The average age of the 174 participants was 52.67 ± 12.24 years, with 87.36 per cent female patients. The mean ISMI-RA score was 54.49 ± 9.62, and the ISMI-RA subscale with the highest average score was alienation. The Pearson's correlations show that internalized stigma was positively associated with the coping styles of avoidance (r = .212, p < .01) and acceptance (r = .560, p < .01), and that internalized stigma was negatively associated with the coping styles of confrontation (r = -.479, p < .01), social support (r = -.570, p < .01), and self-esteem(r = -.512, p < .05). CONCLUSION The high level of internalized stigma in RA patients suggests that we should develop interventions to improve patients' self-esteem, encourage them to adopt positive coping styles, and gain more social support for them, so as to alleviate their internalized stigma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Zhang
- Department of Rheumatology, The Affiliated Changzhou No.2 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, China
- Department of Nursing, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Biyu Shen
- Department of Nursing, Shanghai Children's Medical Center affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medcine, Shanghai, China
| | - Weifen Meng
- Department of Rheumatology, The Affiliated Changzhou No.2 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, China
| | - Bo Gao
- Department of Rheumatology, The Affiliated Changzhou No.2 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, China
| | - Tiantian Wang
- Department of Pain Rehabilitation, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yaqin Geng
- Department of Rheumatology, The Affiliated Changzhou No.2 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, China
- Department of Nursing, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
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Rasheed HA, Rasheed YS, Syed-Quadri S, Tsui E. A Thematic Analysis of Online Uveitis Support Groups. Ocul Immunol Inflamm 2024; 32:572-577. [PMID: 36809240 DOI: 10.1080/09273948.2023.2178937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Revised: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To report the availability and activity of online uveitis support groups. METHODS An online search was conducted for support groups for uveitis. Member count and activity were recorded. Posts and comments were graded along five themes: emotional or personal story sharing, information seeking, offer of outside information, emotional support, and expressions of gratitude. RESULTS An online search resulted in 32 support groups for uveitis. Across all groups, there was a median membership of 725 (IQR 1410.5). Of the 32 groups, five were active and accessible at the time of study. In these five groups, 337 posts and 1406 comments were made within the past year. The most prevalent theme in posts consisted of information seeking (84%) while the most prevalent theme in comments consisted of emotion or personal story sharing (65%). CONCLUSIONS Online uveitis support groups provide a unique space for emotional support, information sharing, and community building.Abbreviations: OIUF - Ocular Inflammation and Uveitis Foundation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Edmund Tsui
- Ocular Inflammatory Disease Center, UCLA Stein Eye Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California, USA
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Karp N, Yazdany J, Schmajuk G. Peer Support in Rheumatic Diseases: A Narrative Literature Review. Patient Prefer Adherence 2023; 17:2433-2449. [PMID: 37808273 PMCID: PMC10557966 DOI: 10.2147/ppa.s391396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Rheumatic diseases are a group of chronic conditions that are associated with significant morbidity, impaired physical function, psychosocial stress, and cost to the healthcare system. Peer support interventions have been shown to have a positive impact on health outcomes in several chronic conditions, but no review has specifically assessed the impact of peer support on rheumatic conditions. The aim of this narrative literature review was to understand how peer support has been applied in the field of rheumatology, with a specific focus on the impact of observational and randomized studies of direct peer support interventions on various outcome measures across rheumatic conditions. We also examined studies exploring patient attitudes and preferences toward peer support. The majority of studies included focused on peer support in rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus. Generally, patients across the spectrum of rheumatic disease perceive peer support as a useful tool. Peer support interventions, while highly variable, were generally associated with positive impacts on health-related quality of life metrics (both perceived and measured), although these differences were not always statistically significant. Important limitations include variability in study design, selection bias among study participants, and short follow-up periods across most peer support interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan Karp
- Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Jinoos Yazdany
- Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Institute for Health Policy Research, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Gabriela Schmajuk
- Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Institute for Health Policy Research, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, San Francisco Veterans Affairs Health System, San Francisco, CA, USA
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Tam B, Lin M, Castellanos C, Ulloa R, Kokot N, Hur K. Head and Neck Cancer Online Support Groups: Disparities in Participation and Impact on Patients. OTO Open 2023; 7:e87. [PMID: 37933274 PMCID: PMC10625668 DOI: 10.1002/oto2.87] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2023] [Revised: 08/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective To characterize the users of the head and neck cancer (HNC) online support group (OSG) and describe the perceived benefits of membership. Study Design Cross-sectional. Setting Online. Methods An administered survey with questions asking about demographics, cancer history, treatment choices, and feelings about OSGs was posted on the 5 largest HNC OSGs on Facebook. Results A total of 97 participants completed the survey. Mean age was 57.8 years old (standard deviation = 10.7 years). Most participants were female (50.5%) and Caucasian (92.8%). This cohort was well educated with 65.5% holding at least a college degree. Annual income was high with 41.8% reporting annual income of $100,000 or greater. The most common treatment modality was radiation (88.7%). The most common surgery was neck dissection (46.4%). Most participants preferred OSGs (70.8%) over other support group types. OSGs were heavily utilized with our cohort reporting using the OSG at least several times a week (80.0%). The top reasons for joining the OSG were sharing one's experience of HNC (76.3%) and gaining support from others with HNC (85.6%). OSGs were ranked as the #3 source of medical information for HNC behind otolaryngologists and oncologists. Membership in a HNC OSG had a minimal impact on decision-making. Conclusion HNC OSGs appear to provide a beneficial community for HNC patients. Otolaryngologists should consider incorporating HNC OSG as a possible supplemental resource for their HNC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Tam
- Caruso Department of Otolaryngology‐Head and Neck SurgeryKeck School of Medicine of the University of Southern CaliforniaLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
| | - Matthew Lin
- Caruso Department of Otolaryngology‐Head and Neck SurgeryKeck School of Medicine of the University of Southern CaliforniaLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
| | - Carlos Castellanos
- Caruso Department of Otolaryngology‐Head and Neck SurgeryKeck School of Medicine of the University of Southern CaliforniaLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
| | - Ruben Ulloa
- Caruso Department of Otolaryngology‐Head and Neck SurgeryKeck School of Medicine of the University of Southern CaliforniaLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
| | - Niels Kokot
- Caruso Department of Otolaryngology‐Head and Neck SurgeryKeck School of Medicine of the University of Southern CaliforniaLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
| | - Kevin Hur
- Caruso Department of Otolaryngology‐Head and Neck SurgeryKeck School of Medicine of the University of Southern CaliforniaLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
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Wright PJ, Raynor PA, Bowers D, Combs EM, Corbett CF, Hardy H, Patel K. Leveraging digital technology for social connectedness among adults with chronic conditions: A systematic review. Digit Health 2023; 9:20552076231204746. [PMID: 37799504 PMCID: PMC10548813 DOI: 10.1177/20552076231204746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose To review the evidence about the impact of digital technology on social connectedness among adults with one or more chronic health conditions. Methods PubMed, Embase, Social Sciences, CINAHL, and Compendex were systematically searched for full-text, peer-reviewed empirical evidence published between 2012 and 2023 and reported using the PRISMA flow diagram. Articles were critically appraised applying the Joanna Briggs Institute checklists. Specific data were extracted based on the framework for social identity and technology approaches for health outcomes and then analyzed and synthesized. Results Thirty-four studies met study criteria. Evidence showed heterogeneity among research methodology, chronic health conditions, digital technology, and health outcomes. Technology use was influenced by factors such as usability, anonymity, availability, and control. More advanced digital technologies require higher digital literacy and improved accessibility features/modifications. Social support was the most measured aspect of social connectedness. The emotional and informational forms of social support were most reported; instrumental support was the least likely to be delivered. Self-efficacy for using technology was considered in seven articles. Sixteen articles reported health outcomes: 31.2% (n = 5) described mental health outcomes only, 18.8% (n = 3) reported physical health outcomes only, 31.2% (n = 5) detailed both physical and mental health outcomes, whereas 18.8% (n = 3) denoted well-being or quality-of-life outcomes. Most often, health outcomes were positive, with negative outcomes for selected groups also noted. Conclusion Leveraging digital technology to promote social connectedness has the potential to affect positive health outcomes. Further research is needed to better understand the social integration of technology among populations with different contexts and chronic health conditions to enhance and tailor digital interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pamela J Wright
- Department of Biobehavioral Health and Nursing Science, College of Nursing, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
- Advancing Chronic Care Outcomes through Research and iNnovation (ACORN) Center, College of Nursing, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Phyllis A Raynor
- Department of Biobehavioral Health and Nursing Science, College of Nursing, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
- Advancing Chronic Care Outcomes through Research and iNnovation (ACORN) Center, College of Nursing, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Dana Bowers
- Department of Biobehavioral Health and Nursing Science, College of Nursing, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
- Advancing Chronic Care Outcomes through Research and iNnovation (ACORN) Center, College of Nursing, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Elizabeth M Combs
- Department of Biobehavioral Health and Nursing Science, College of Nursing, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
- Advancing Chronic Care Outcomes through Research and iNnovation (ACORN) Center, College of Nursing, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Cynthia F Corbett
- Department of Biobehavioral Health and Nursing Science, College of Nursing, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
- Advancing Chronic Care Outcomes through Research and iNnovation (ACORN) Center, College of Nursing, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Hannah Hardy
- Advancing Chronic Care Outcomes through Research and iNnovation (ACORN) Center, College of Nursing, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
- Department of Public Health, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Khushi Patel
- Advancing Chronic Care Outcomes through Research and iNnovation (ACORN) Center, College of Nursing, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
- Department of Public Health, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
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Lopez-Olivo MA, Foreman JT, Leung C, Lin HY, Westrich-Robertson T, Hofstetter C, des Bordes JKA, Lyddiatt A, Leong A, Willcockson IU, Peterson SK, Suarez-Almazor ME. A randomized controlled trial evaluating the effects of social networking on chronic disease management in rheumatoid arthritis. Semin Arthritis Rheum 2022; 56:152072. [PMID: 35872394 PMCID: PMC9862615 DOI: 10.1016/j.semarthrit.2022.152072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Revised: 06/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Social networking has been shown to improve health outcomes in certain patient populations. While patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) increasingly use social networking to communicate with peers, the effects of these interactions are largely unknown. METHODS In a randomized controlled trial, we compared RA patients who participated in a social networking group moderated by peer leaders and who had access to a static website offering RA materials with a control group, who only had access to the website. The primary outcomes were patients' RA knowledge, self-efficacy and empowerment. Secondary outcomes included participation in desired health behaviors, and satisfaction with peer support, among others. Follow-up assessments were conducted at 3 and 6 months. Participants who never signed in were excluded from the primary analysis. RESULTS 105 participants were randomized to each group. Mean age was 52 (±12.4) and 92.4% were females. Knowledge scores improved in both groups, but only in the control group the differences observed at 3 and 6 months were significant (p≤0.02). Self-efficacy scores also improved in both groups, but only the differences observed at 6 months in the Facebook group were significant (p=0.02). When comparing groups, at 3 months the knowledge improvements observed in the control group were greater compared with those observed in the Facebook group (mean difference 0.4 versus 0.1; respectively, p=0.03). No other differences were observed in secondary outcomes between the 2 groups, except in peer support satisfaction. The Facebook® group reported greater peer support satisfaction in 3 out 5 subscales compared with the control group (p≤0.04). CONCLUSION Peer support satisfaction was higher in participants using an online social network, but this was not translated into greater disease knowledge or empowerment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria A Lopez-Olivo
- Department of Health Services Research, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Jessica T Foreman
- Department of General Internal Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Cheuk Leung
- Department of Biostatistics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Heather Y Lin
- Department of Biostatistics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | | | | | - Jude K A des Bordes
- Department of Family Medicine, McGovern Medical School, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Anne Lyddiatt
- Musculoskeletal Group, Cochrane Collaboration, Ontario, Canada
| | - Amye Leong
- Healthy Motivation and the Global Alliance for Musculoskeletal Health of the Bone and Joint Decade, Santa Barbara, CA, United States
| | - Irmgard U Willcockson
- School of Biomedical Informatics, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Susan K Peterson
- Department of Behavioral Science, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Maria E Suarez-Almazor
- Department of Health Services Research, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States; Department of General Internal Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States.
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Lin C, Tu R, Bier B, Tu P. Uncovering the Imprints of Chronic Disease on Patients' Lives and Self-Perceptions. J Pers Med 2021; 11:jpm11080807. [PMID: 34442451 PMCID: PMC8399677 DOI: 10.3390/jpm11080807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2021] [Revised: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients face psychological hardship due to physical discomfort, disabilities, and anxieties. Previous research indicated a bidirectional relationship and patient desire for emotional support from providers. This study examined lesser-understood RA experiences across the psychological and social contexts in relation to self-perception through the patients' expression of their struggles with these burdens. We conducted four semistructured focus groups and eleven interviews (total n = 31). A codebook was developed and refined through iterative transcript coding via NVivo-12. Four emerging themes were identified by inductive, thematic analysis: (1) the patients' healthy appearances were a myth, with subthemes revealing a conflict between an inclination to hide the disease and a desire for validation, while feeling embarrassed by symptom manifestations and disappointment at withdrawal from social interactions; (2) an identity crisis due to diminished functionality, autonomy, and sense of self; (3) RA constantly occupied the mind, as its unpredictability dictated daily schedules and altered plans; and (4) the disease's chronic nature influenced personal outlook to worry about or accept the uncertainty. Even with effective treatment, the invisibility of the disease, the fear and anticipation of flare-ups, and identity clashes caused emotional distress. The insights offer a different perspective on personalized medicine, complementing clinical treatments based on genetic or biomarker profile. For patient-centered holistic care, education is needed to prompt both patients and providers to discuss psychological issues for more customized, integrated interventions. The findings can help inform healthcare teams and families in recognizing and supporting these physical-psychological intertwined experiences, thereby ameliorating patients' wellbeing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheryl Lin
- Policy and Organizational Management Program, Duke University, Durham, NC 27705, USA; (C.L.); (B.B.)
| | - Rungting Tu
- College of Management, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China;
| | - Brooke Bier
- Policy and Organizational Management Program, Duke University, Durham, NC 27705, USA; (C.L.); (B.B.)
| | - Pikuei Tu
- Policy and Organizational Management Program, Duke University, Durham, NC 27705, USA; (C.L.); (B.B.)
- Correspondence:
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9
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Abstract
Social media serves as a tool to fill gaps in current efforts to promote women in cardiothoracic surgery, and, given its global reach, may be a particularly effective modality. Social media has an important role in networking and mentorship, especially for women seeking careers in specialties with relatively sparse female representation, such as cardiothoracic surgery. In addition, social media may facilitate professional interactions, collaboration, growth of online reputations, engagement in continued education, communication of novel research findings, and patient education. Herein, we review the evidence for social media in the networking and mentorship of women in cardiothoracic surgery. Future studies are needed to establish the durability of social media efforts and predictors in its effectiveness in achieving its goals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin M Corsini
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Jessica G Y Luc
- Division of Cardiovascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Mara B Antonoff
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
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10
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Berkovic D, Ackerman IN, Briggs AM, Ayton D. Tweets by People With Arthritis During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Content and Sentiment Analysis. J Med Internet Res 2020; 22:e24550. [PMID: 33170802 PMCID: PMC7746504 DOI: 10.2196/24550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2020] [Revised: 10/26/2020] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Emerging evidence suggests that people with arthritis are reporting increased physical pain and psychological distress during the COVID-19 pandemic. At the same time, Twitter's daily usage has surged by 23% throughout the pandemic period, presenting a unique opportunity to assess the content and sentiment of tweets. Individuals with arthritis use Twitter to communicate with peers, and to receive up-to-date information from health professionals and services about novel therapies and management techniques. OBJECTIVE The aim of this research was to identify proxy topics of importance for individuals with arthritis during the COVID-19 pandemic, and to explore the emotional context of tweets by people with arthritis during the early phase of the pandemic. METHODS From March 20 to April 20, 2020, publicly available tweets posted in English and with hashtag combinations related to arthritis and COVID-19 were extracted retrospectively from Twitter. Content analysis was used to identify common themes within tweets, and sentiment analysis was used to examine positive and negative emotions in themes to understand the COVID-19 experiences of people with arthritis. RESULTS In total, 149 tweets were analyzed. The majority of tweeters were female and were from the United States. Tweeters reported a range of arthritis conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and psoriatic arthritis. Seven themes were identified: health care experiences, personal stories, links to relevant blogs, discussion of arthritis-related symptoms, advice sharing, messages of positivity, and stay-at-home messaging. Sentiment analysis demonstrated marked anxiety around medication shortages, increased physical symptom burden, and strong desire for trustworthy information and emotional connection. CONCLUSIONS Tweets by people with arthritis highlight the multitude of concurrent concerns during the COVID-19 pandemic. Understanding these concerns, which include heightened physical and psychological symptoms in the context of treatment misinformation, may assist clinicians to provide person-centered care during this time of great health uncertainty.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle Berkovic
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Ilana N Ackerman
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Andrew M Briggs
- School of Physiotherapy and Exercise Science, Curtin University, Perth, Australia
| | - Darshini Ayton
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
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