Experiences of rural women with breast cancer receiving social support via audioconferencing

We examined the process of social support for breast cancer survivors in rural Newfoundland and Labrador. The subjects were 11 participants in a social support programme that made use of audioconferencing. The core social psychological process by which women received social support consisted of four distinct but overlapping stages: getting connected to the network; finding a voice; connecting with others; and becoming empowered. The findings suggested that support groups facilitated via audioconferencing can transcend geographical distance and permit women living in rural areas to share experiences with each other and to learn from and teach each other. The use of telephone and audioconferencing technologies should be encouraged for the provision of information and support to people in rural settings, where such services may be especially beneficial.