Online support of patients and survivors of cancer.

OBJECTIVES

To provide information on current use of a type of online support, Internet cancer support groups, by patients and survivors of cancer, and the factors that influence their usages.

DATA SOURCES

The literature systematically searched and retrieved through the PUBMED, PsycInfo, and CINAHL databases.

CONCLUSION

This literature review indicated five factors that influence the use of Internet cancer support groups (disease, background, cultural, need, and Internet use).

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE

Health care providers need to give careful attention to multiple factors that may influence the use of online support.