IBD and Me Discussion

Description:

IBD and Me is a discussion forum targeted at 16-29 year olds with Ulcerative Colitis & Crohn's Disease. It is designed to allow you to share your experiences with other young people. The forum is closed and you need to register to access it. The main discussion board lists all topics with comments and you can search for existing topics or add new topics. There are also subject-specific discussion boards, including subjects such as tackling the medics, three years to acceptance, Your Colitis or Crohn's Disease at work. The discussion board links to the Crohn's and Colitis UK main website which includes information sheets about various issues such as schools, university, work, relationships.

Service URL:

http://www.ibdandme.nacc.org.uk/

Agency Responsible:

Crohn’s and Colitis UK: NGO. UK Charity

Details

Format:

Bulletin Board.

Size Of Membership:

3173 (on 29th Oct 2012)

Moderation Status:

Moderated. Moderator attempts to remove or edit offensive material as quickly as possible

Moderation Type:

Other. Trained volunteers and member of the information team at Crohn’s and Colitis UK

Associated Website Intervention:

http://www.nacc.org.uk/content/general/IBDandME.asp

Accreditation Status:

Accredited. Although the Discussion board is not specifically accredited, information prepared by Crohn’s and Colitis UK is certified under the Information Standard certification scheme.

Funding Source:

Donations/Philanthropic.

Target Audience

Primary Category:

Physical Health. Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn’s Disease

Primary Target Audience:

Young Adult. and adolescents (16-29 year olds)

Secondary Target Audience:

Consumer.

Language:

English.

Access

Registration Requirement:

Closed: registration required. You need to register to access the discussion board. After completing a brief online registration form you receive an email with a password, allowing you to access the discussion board.

Fee:

Free.

Contact Details:

moderator@ibdandme.org.uk

Research evidence

Research Trials:

1

Outcome Summary:

The use of IBD and Me Discussion Board was examined in one study. This study involved an analysis of the content of archived messages posted on the discussion board. Findings revealed that more than two-thirds of messages involved sharing of personal experiences and approximately 30% provided information or advice. Messages including requests for information or advice were also common (18.5% of messages) and a further 14.3% that offered support or empathy. Such findings suggest use of this discussion board may offer young people the opportunity to utilise various self-help mechanisms, in particular sharing personal experiences and information with other young people.

Research Paper Citations

Malik, S. And Coulson, N. (2011) The therapeutic potential of the internet: Exploring self-help processes in an internet forum for young people with inflammatory bowel disease. Gastroenterology Nursing, 34(6): 439.