10 June 2008

Call for papers: Web-based Communities and Healthcare

Call for papers: Web-based Communities and Healthcare

A special issue of International Journal of Web Based Communities

In recent years there has been a marked increase in the number of individuals accessing health-related web-based communities. Such communities are concerned with a diverse range of health-related topics (e.g. cancer, depression, coronary heart disease, disability etc) and participation is increasingly being recognised as having an important contribution in the self-management of chronic illness.

Papers may address the theme of web-based communities and healthcare from a variety of perspectives. The following questions are offered as stimulus for potential authors:
  • Does participation in health-related web based communities lead to changes in clinical and psychosocial outcomes?
  • How do patients integrate information obtained from web based communities into their treatment-related decisions?
  • What role do web based communities play in empowering the patient, especially within the doctor-patient consultation?
  • How do patients assess the credibility of information conveyed within a web-based community?
  • What factors underpin disclosure of personal health-related information within the web based community?
  • What factors underpin perceptions of satisfaction with health-related web based communities?
  • Are there socio-demographic differences in the ways in which individuals access, use and benefit from web based communities?
  • How do privacy concerns impact upon the support process for individuals accessing web based communities?
Important Dates
Deadline for summary submission: 30 September 2008
Deadline for paper submission: 30 November 2008
Notification to authors: 31 December 2008
Deadline for camera ready papers: 31 Jan 2009

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