Resource Paper Online Support Groups Name NURS 4303 Tutors Name Date Role of Support Groups In the definition of Mental Health America, a support group is a safe space that is designed to help individuals discuss issues pertaining to an illness or struggle that they may be undergoingwith individuals undergoing the same or similar issues. A major objective of support groups is to help members feel less alone and gather additional resilience to face their complexities of the problem they are facing. Because of their nature,support groups bring together individuals with specific issues or illnesses. The role of support groups in healthcare is to offer therapeutic interaction and encouragement, enhance mental health and provide health education. Individuals join therapeutic support groups to interact and gain feedback from others about their own achievements. Apart from the generalgroup benefits such as security, belonging, problem solving and social support, therapeutic support groups are associated with increased resilience and enhanced coping (Zabalegui, Sanchez, Sanchez, Juando, 2005). Technology such as telemedicine tools, patient portals and social media have helped improve healthcare by facilitating continuous and more effective communication between patients and healthcare providers. Effective healthcare strategies must involve the use of modern communication technology and