The dynamics of knowledge sharing in chronically ill patient‐led online health communities

Abstract

Patient‐led online health communities (OHCs) consist of empowered patients who are more likely to share higher levels of knowledge: conceptual and procedural knowledge. In patient‐led OHCs knowledge is shared via the short path and there exists the practice of sharing inadequate knowledge. Patient knowledge sharing activity is the highest in the mitotic phase of the patient‐led OHC life cycle. The nature of queries generated in OHCs can indicate to stakeholders the gap between the medical information patients receive and the medical information they want, the level of patient empowerment and the need for patient empowerment knowledge.