Online Support Group for Young Adults with Cancer
Brief Abstract
My recent publication “Effective Group Therapies for Young Adults Affected By Cancer”. The integration of the use of technology to provide this vital support is profound in delivery. As a faculty instructor I use these clinical experiences in my micro lectures to compliment the concepts students are learning.
Extended Abstract
As an online faculty instructor at Arizona State University School of Social Work I think it is vital for instructors to have a foundation in clinical care. This allows the best balance of content and theory to our students. That being said, I can integrate my clinical practice into my micro lectures online to share with students how theory and practice are the foundation of a good education online. So I have been able to continue my oncology social work as a group facilitator to provide care for young adults with cancer. Because of the isolation and physical demands over two years ago I allowed my support group to be open to online participants. This addition has provided valuable support to young adults with cancer. Then when covid presented we were able to do a smooth transition to the support group fully online for safety reasons. Sharing with students how to adapt clinical care with technology is so relevant. I have published a book on this support group.
The book shows examples of how to create an online support group community. It also has additional online supports, best for young adults to communicate. Part of this creation is to be able to increase accessibility to underserved population.
In addition, on the educational side, giving students examples of the online format in classes is critical in their understanding. As they learn from their texts and online curriculum about providing care to their populations I create micro lectures about my online support group. This innovative way to connect students the opportunity to see how technology and care are complimentary. The micro lectures on the specifics of theory and support group also created a platform for student discussion. This has allowed me to become a more dynamic faulty instructor at Arizona State University.
My book publication by Routledge, “Effective Group Therapies for Young Adults Affected By Cancer, Using Support Groups in Clinical Settings in the US”, is a educational manual that breaks down key elements in providing the best care for this underserved population. A key component of the book is creating a community which the underlying foundation is technology. The technology connects these young adults and allows for connection, education and support. The book is a great resource for students on how to create effective support groups using technology.
In this session I could provide participants with many dimensions. How to create meaningful micro lectures for your classes, how to gather data using technology, how to create an online support community for populations.