Effects of an online support group for prostate cancer survivors: a randomized trial.

This longitudinal study evaluated the effect a prostate cancer-specific online support group had for self-assessed quality of life. Participants (N = 40) were randomly assigned to an online support group or the control group. Data consisted of four previously validated quality-of-life measurements. Analysis determined that over time, quality of life improved for those in the online group and decreased for those in the control group, but returned to baseline at eight weeks. Providing support using online methods is effective; the length of time this intervention should be provided to patients will require further research.