Table 2.

Web-based platform characteristics.

Study	Platform	Communication	Moderation
Attard and Coulson [31]	Discussion forums	Text-based (asynchronous)	Yes
Bakke et al [32]	WebMD (discussion forum)	Text-based (asynchronous)	Physician
Loane et al [43]	Discussion forum	Text-based (asynchronous)	Unknown
Davis and Boellstorff [47]	Virtual world	Verbal (synchronous)	Researchers
Lieberman et al [46]	Online support group in chat room	Text-based (synchronous)	Professional
Lieberman et al [45]	Online support group in chat room	Text-based (synchronous)	Professional
Lieberman [44]	Online support group in chat room	Text-based (synchronous)	Professional
Martínez-Pérez et al [48]	Facebook and Twitter	Text-based (asynchronous)	Unknown