Using second life to facilitate peer storytelling for grieving oncology nurses

Area of Science:

• Nursing
• Psychology
• Human-Computer Interaction

Background:

• Oncology nurses face emotional distress from patient deaths.
• Traditional support groups are often inaccessible due to work demands.
• Virtual world technology may offer a novel support avenue.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the use of peer storytelling in a 3-D virtual world for grieving oncology nurses.
• To assess the feasibility and effectiveness of Second Life for grief support.
• To understand nurses' experiences with virtual peer storytelling.

Main Methods:

• Mixed-methods approach using focus groups and surveys.
• Nine oncology nurses participated in guided sessions in Second Life.
• Data collected on demographics, professional loss, support exchange, and meaning-making.

Main Results:

• Nurses found peer storytelling in Second Life helpful for making sense of grief.
• Participants reported feeling supported by moderators and peers.
• Technology challenges were noted, but overall satisfaction was expressed.

Conclusions:

• Second Life can be a beneficial, non-threatening venue for oncology nurses' grief resolution.
• Virtual peer storytelling facilitates sharing innermost feelings and coping mechanisms.
• The study highlights the potential of virtual environments for professional grief support.