Combining online and offline peer support groups in community mental health care settings: a qualitative study of service users' experiences.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Peer support for people with long-term mental health problems is central to recovery-oriented approaches in mental health care. Peer support has traditionally been conducted offline in face-to-face groups, while online groups on the Internet have increased rapidly. Offline and online peer support groups are shown to have differing strengths and weaknesses. However, little is known about how combining the two formats might be experienced by service users, which this paper aims to illuminate.

Methods

In this exploratory and descriptive study, a recovery-oriented Internet-based portal called ReConnect was used by service users in two mental health communities in Norway for 6-12 months. The portal included an online peer support group which also facilitated participat

SUBMITTER: Strand M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7260836 | biostudies-literature | 2020

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature