Table 1.

Six recommendations for the design, implementation, and evaluation of online support interventions

Design and Implementation	Address the interdependence between online support and real-world support.
	Address the individual’s existing social networks (e.g. family, friends, co-workers).
	Target community-wide outcomes and participation of local community groups.
Evaluation	Adapt and/or develop evaluation measures of support specific to online environments.
	Consider all units of analysis (from interpersonal to community-wide measures of support).
Design, Implementation and Evaluation	Employ ecological systems theory and principles of community-based participatory research.