Computer-Based Telecommunication Among an Illness-Related Community: Design, Delivery, Early Use, and the Functions of HIGHnet

This article addresses the implementation and early use of a computer bulletin board for families affected by hemophilia. Trends involving telemedicine and managed health care make investigating new forms of telecommunication within an illness-related community essential. As a result, a text-based computer bulletin board, Hemophiliacs In Good Health Network (HIGHnet) was created and its early use studied. Six research questions are posed that address challenges encountered during creation of the system, factors influencing early use, and the functions of postings during early use. Creation of the board entailed design, establishment of sites and users, equipment procurement and distribution, and training. Early use results indicate that type of training has a significant effect on the number of postings sent. However, the demographics of users (age, income, education, sex), the type of user (person with illness, spouse of, caregiver of, etc.), and the site's equipment needs do not influence early use.