Challenges of creating a peer support online community for patients with diabetes: a case study

This study aims to explore the challenges and strategies in creating online communities for individuals with diabetes, emphasizing their role in fostering connections among individuals facing similar health conditions. Using a single-case approach, we investigated the design process of a diabetes on...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores: Bujanda Sainz de Murieta, Arantxa, Isomursu, Minna, Escalada Hernández, Paula, San Martín Rodríguez, Leticia, García Vivar, Cristina, Soto Ruiz, María Nelia
Tipo de recurso: artículo
Estado:Versión aceptada para publicación
Fecha de publicación:2025
País:España
Institución:Universidad Pública de Navarra
Repositorio:Academica-e. Repositorio Institucional de la Universidad Pública de Navarra
OAI Identifier:oai:academica-e.unavarra.es:2454/52634
Acceso en línea:https://hdl.handle.net/2454/52634
Access Level:acceso abierto
Palabra clave:Chronic conditions
Diabetes
Online community
Peer support
Descripción
Sumario:This study aims to explore the challenges and strategies in creating online communities for individuals with diabetes, emphasizing their role in fostering connections among individuals facing similar health conditions. Using a single-case approach, we investigated the design process of a diabetes online community using the classic waterfall model. Participants were recruited from a diabetes local association, and usability was assessed using the System Usability Scale and the think-aloud method. Subsequently, semistructured interviews were conducted to evaluate functionality and user experience. Data collection was conducted from August until December 2023. The development of the community unveiled significant usability challenges, highlighting the need for user feedback and improvement. Ethical considerations, including anonymity, usage conditions, privacy terms, and health information sharing, emerged as critical areas requiring meticulous attention. Furthermore, healthcare professional moderation was deemed essential to ensure a secure environment. Users expressed strong interest in enhanced interaction features and personalized notifications. Although online diabetes communities hold potential for peer support, addressing usability challenges, ethical considerations, and moderation issues is essential. This study emphasizes the ongoing necessity for research to enhance the development of patient communities, ensuring accessibility, mitigating ethical risks, and leveraging nurses as moderators.