How accurate is information from your online health support group?
Consider tips from online support group members carefully and verify medical advice with your clinician.
- Reviewed by Anthony L. Komaroff, MD, Editor in Chief, Harvard Health Letter; Editorial Advisory Board Member, Harvard Health Publishing
Taking part in an online support group has many benefits, such as convenience, camaraderie, and encouragement. “It’s social support you don’t always get from a busy clinician’s office. Someone in the group might say, 'I went through this, too. Hang in there, it will get better,’” says Kasisomayajula Viswanath, a health communication researcher and professor at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.
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About the Author
Heidi Godman, Executive Editor, Harvard Health Letter
About the Reviewer
Anthony L. Komaroff, MD, Editor in Chief, Harvard Health Letter; Editorial Advisory Board Member, Harvard Health Publishing
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