An innovative web-based peer support system for medical students in Hong Kong

Med Teach. 2007 Nov;29(9):984-6. doi: 10.1080/01421590701551748.

Abstract

Background: Psychological morbidity is commonly found in medical students.

Aims: The Mental Health Support Group (MSG), a student-initiated and student-run web-based peer support service aims to provide mental health information, e mail counseling and an online forum for medical students.

Methods: The development process of MSG is described in the paper with presentation of preliminary evaluation results.

Results: Preliminary evaluation shows promising results. Student members of MSG acquired valuable skills in counseling, communication, webpage design and maintenance of an online forum.

Conclusions: Future challenges include succession issues, strategies to keep up the momentum, enhancement of publicity and further diversification of service to meet the needs of our students.

Publication types

  • Evaluation Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Consumer Health Information / methods*
  • Consumer Health Information / trends
  • Female
  • Health Promotion / methods*
  • Hong Kong
  • Humans
  • Internet
  • Male
  • Mental Disorders / psychology
  • Mental Health*
  • Peer Group
  • Program Evaluation
  • Sex Factors
  • Social Support
  • Stress, Psychological / psychology
  • Students, Medical / psychology*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires