The influence of social networks on self-management support: a metasynthesis.

ABSTRACT:

Background

There is increasing recognition that chronic illness management (CIM) is not just an individual but a collective process where social networks can potentially make a considerable contribution to improving health outcomes for people with chronic illness. However, the mechanisms (processes, activities) taking place within social networks are insufficiently understood. The aim of this review was to focus on identifying the mechanisms linking social networks with CIM. Here we consider network mechanisms as located within a broader social context that shapes practices, behaviours, and the multiplicity of functions and roles that network members fulfil.

Methods

A systematic search of qualitative studies was undertaken on Medline, Embase, and Web for papers published bet

SUBMITTER: Vassilev I 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4223639 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature