Introduction / Overview
  Welcome to this page that describes my project where you can tell me your story of how you use the Internet for support.  This study is being done by Suzanne Dickerson DNS RN a nurse researcher at University at Buffalo, School of Nursing. 
 
Purpose
  The purpose of this study is to find out how people with an ICD use the Internet (i.e. information seeking, message boards, live chat or email).  I would like to learn about how and why you use these mediums.  I hope, in the future, to be able to suggest uses of the Internet for people in your situation.
 
Procedure
I would like to communicate with you by an online virtual focus group discussion.  The virtual focus group will take place on a message board.  At the message board's web site, there will be a discussion group of 6 to 8 people.  You will answer questions on a discussion list with others like yourself who regularly use the Internet.  You will be asked to tell stories of how and why you use the Internet.  You can post responses to other group member's stories and discuss the stories during a two week time frame.  If you are under the age of 18 you should obtain permission fromn your parent or gardian by having them read the consent and email the investigator permission to join in the study.
 
Consent
If you wish to participate in this study, you must read and understand the informed consent page.  Acceptance of the consent is indicated by an email or via the mail.  The exact details on the informed consent and how to accept it are on the informed consent page.

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Last Update: August 2001
Please email any additional questions to sdickers@buffalo.edu.