The birth and dissolution of an inflammatory bowel disease support group: lessons in providing support

In response to requests from the members of the local Crohn's and Colitis Foundation chapter, a nurse-facilitated support group was formed. Its goals were to provide support and information for people coping with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Despite the interest expressed by the membership, attendance at the monthly meetings was sporadic and sparse. Eventually the group ceased to exist. To understand why the group dissolved, each member was interviewed and asked the following open-ended questions: (1) What did you want from a support group? (2) Why did you not attend meetings regularly? (3) What, if anything, would have kept you coming to the group? Despite coping with IBD, most people described a normal life in which support from the family and established relationships was sufficient to meet their needs. Extra support, such as group support, was only perceived to be needed at certain key times. Innovative methods for providing support, when needed, are discussed.