Using self-help support groups: a framework for nursing practice and research

Social support groups are receiving increased attention in professional literature and the media and the number of groups is growing. Nurses are often urged to utilize social support groups as part of client care. These groups cannot be effectively used by nurses unless they are approached from the framework of the nursing process. This approach helps assure individualization of referrals and evaluation of the support group in relation to the client's needs. Based on the literature reviewed and the proposed nursing process framework, many research questions are identified.