Informal Caregivers' Experiences and Perceptions of a Web-Based Peer Support Network: Mixed-Methods Study

Area of Science:

• Health Services Research
• Online Interventions
• Caregiver Support

Background:

• Informal caregivers face social isolation and support deficits.
• Web-based peer support interventions show promise but require further investigation into user experience.
• Limited research exists on how caregivers utilize and perceive these online support systems.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the utilization and perceptions of a Web-based social support intervention.
• To understand how informal caregivers of wounded, ill, and injured military service members and veterans interact with an online support platform.

Main Methods:

• A mixed-methods approach combining quantitative surveys and qualitative focus groups/interviews.
• Data collected from informal caregivers enrolled in a Web-based peer support intervention.
• Comparison with a control group of military caregivers not enrolled in the intervention.

Main Results:

• Caregivers used the website infrequently and passively; most reported satisfaction.
• Users primarily perceived the intervention as a source of informational support, accessing resource libraries.
• Qualitative data revealed an unmet need for emotional support and desire for in-person connections.

Conclusions:

• Web-based peer support may be more effective for delivering informational rather than emotional support.
• Online interventions may need to be complemented by in-person support groups to address caregivers' emotional needs.
• Future interventions should consider integrating both online and offline components for comprehensive caregiver support.