Abstract The loss of a family member or friend can have profound psychological and physical implications, particularly for individuals without bereavement support services. Online support groups can be an effective means of extending services beyond the traditional modes of delivery. This is especially true for populations that include isolated individuals and those with limited support networks, limited transportation, challenging time commitments, or reside in communities with limited services available. The literature over the last 10 years was reviewed to discern the potential opportunities and challenges of providing online bereavement support group services. Discussed are challenges for recruitment of participants, availability of technology resources, addressing privacy and confidentiality issues, participants’ knowledge of technical equipment, legal considerations, ethical considerations, accessibility, and other best practices. Diverse populations such as adolescents, older adults, and rural communities must be uniquely considered when using online support groups.

中文翻译：

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建立在线丧亲支持小组的注意事项

摘要失去家人或朋友可能会产生深远的心理和生理影响，特别是对于没有丧亲支持服务的个人。在线支持小组可以成为将服务扩展到传统交付方式之外的有效手段。对于包括孤立的个体以及支持网络有限，交通有限，时间投入具有挑战性或居住在可用服务有限的社区中的人群，尤其如此。回顾了过去10年的文献，以发现提供在线丧亲支持小组服务的潜在机会和挑战。讨论了以下方面的挑战：招募参与者，技术资源的可用性，解决隐私和机密性问题，参与者对技术设备，法律考虑，道德考虑，可及性和其他最佳实践的了解。使用在线支持小组时，必须特别考虑青少年，老年人和农村社区等不同人群。