Connecting Group Members through Telephone and Computer Groups

• Published in: Health & social work Vol. 22; no. 3; pp. 181 - 188
• Main Authors: Galinsky, Maeda J., Schopler, Janice H., Abell, Melissa D.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Oxford University Press 01.08.1997; National Association of Social Workers
• Subjects: Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS); Attitude of Health Personnel; Bulletin Boards; Cancer; College Students; Communication; Communication technology; Communications; Communications technology; Computer Communication Networks - statistics & numerical data; Computer Mediated Communication; Computers; Conferences (Gatherings); Counseling Techniques; Emotional Disturbances; Evaluation; Female; Group Counseling; Group dynamics; Group membership; group practice; Group Therapy; Group Work; Groups; Health care; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Health Services; Humans; Interpersonal Relationship; Laptop Computers; Literature Reviews; Male; Medical care; Mental health; Mental Health Programs; Mental Health Services; Middle Aged; Patients; Polls & surveys; Psychiatric services; Self-Help Groups - organization & administration; Social Networks; Social Support Groups; Social Work - organization & administration; Surveys and Questionnaires; Technological Methods; Technology; Telecommunication systems; Telecommunications; Telecommunications systems; Teleconferencing; Telephone; Telephone - statistics & numerical data; Telephone Communications; Telephones; U.S.A; User groups
• ISSN: 0360-7283; 1545-6854
• DOI: 10.1093/hsw/22.3.181

Telephone conference calls and computer-assisted groups are innovative means of offering health and mental health services. This article reviews the practice literature on the use of technology-based groups and presents the results of a survey of group practitioners that focused on their experiences with telephone and computer groups, their knowledge and comfort levels with these groups, and their perspectives on the benefits and problems of using technology in group practice. Benefits of using this technology included increased accessibility, convenience, and anonymity; problems were decreased cues, technological issues, and group process difficulties. Implications of using telephone and computer technology for group practice, particularly in health settings, are discussed.