Factors influencing engagement in an online support group for family caregivers of individuals with advanced cancer

Abstract

Objective: To explore factors that influenced engagement in an online support group (OSG) for family caregivers of hospice patients with cancer.

Design: Secondary qualitative data analysis.

Sample: 58 family caregivers of hospice patients with advanced cancer.

Methods: Template analysis of individual family caregiver interviews.

Findings: Emotional isolation and caregiving downtime positively influenced engagement, while reluctance to share personal information, a short timeframe of participation in the OSG, and caregiving commitments were negatively influential. While the group facilitation and secure privacy settings of the OSG were viewed positively, reactions to the OSG platform and group tone were mixed. Information on pain and the dying process was found to be particularly engaging.

Practice implications: Providers offering OSGs for family caregivers should maximize factors that promote meaningful member engagement, responding to changes in activity and tone over time.

Keywords:

• Cancer
• caregivers
• engagement
• hospice
• Internet
• support groups

Acknowledgments

The content of this article is solely the responsibility of its authors and may not necessarily reflect the official views of the study’s funder. Additionally, we acknowledge the invaluable contributions of Megan J. Mooney, MSW, who served as the lead facilitator of the OSG from which data for this study were drawn. We also gratefully acknowledge Christina M. Merrick, MA, who contributed via participant recruitment, assistance with group facilitation, and data management.

Conflict of interest

The authors declare no conflict of interest with regard to the conduct or publication of this research.