Perceptions of online support for hospitalized children and adolescents.

This study identifies perceived outcomes following hospitalized children's participation in a pediatric online support network. Nineteen participants were interviewed, including child and adolescent patients who had used the network while in hospital, their parent/family caregiver, and a familiar health care provider. This triadic sampling approach provided a range of stakeholder perceptions. Results convey a wide spectrum of benefits and challenges in accessing and utilizing an online support network for hospitalized children. Participation in the network was identified as a means of fostering pediatric patient enjoyment, education, connection with peers, and coping. Information, social connection and distraction served as catalysts fostering positive outcomes for children. Identified barriers to network participation included inaccessibility and limited availability of computers, issues with technology, and discomfort with online interaction. Findings advance understanding of online networks as supportive resources for seriously ill children and their families.