Virtual Communities in Health Care

Abstract

A virtual community is a social entity involving several individuals who relate to one another by the use of a specific communication technology that bridges geographic distance. Traditional communities are determined by factors such as geographic proximity, organizational structures or activities shared by the members of the community. The concept “virtual” implies properties that unlike these of a traditional community are based on the utilization of advanced technologies enabling interactions and exchange of information between members who may not physically meet at any point in time.