Social Capital and Knowledge Exchange in Hybrid Virtual Communities for Patients with Multiple Sclerosis: Preliminary Results.
Year: 2007
Type: article
Abstract: This study investigates knowledge exchange in a Hybrid Virtual Communities (HVC) for patients with multiple sclerosis, that is a group of people with shared interests who meet face-to-face to exchange information or provide emotional support, but also coordinate or share information in a "virtual" or online environment Using discourse analysis and semi-structured interviews, I examine a face-to-face Multiple Sclerosis aquatics group and their virtual interactions.The investigation entails analysis of six months of e-mail dialogues between members and nineteen semi-structured interviews.Using the theoretical foundation of social capital (Jacobs 1960), network capital (Wellman andFrank, 2001) and a social support framework created by Drentea and Moren-Cross (2005), communications are classified as community building, emotional support, and instrumental support.The present research helps to explain the process of building and maintaining social support and exchanging knowledge in a patient-centric HVC.
Author: Sherry Ryan
Institution: University of North Texas
Language: English
Subfield: General Health Professions
Field: Health Professions
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W148847187