The Role of E-Mentorship in a Virtual World for Youth Transplant Recipients

Abstract

Because of geographic distances, many youth transplant recipients do not have the opportunity to meet and form relationships with peers who have undergone similar experiences. This article explores the role of E-mentorship in virtual environments. Most specifically, by analyzing data from a study conducted with the Zora virtual world with pediatric transplant recipients, suggestions and recommendations are given for conceiving the role of virtual mentors and allocating the needed resources. Zora is a graphical virtual world designed to create a community that offers psychoeducational support and the possibility of participating in virtual activities following a curriculum explicitly designed to address issues of school transition and medical adherence. Activities are designed to foster relationships, teach technological skills, and facilitate the formation of a support network of peers and mentors.This article addresses the research question, "What makes a successful E-mentorship model in virtual worlds for children with serious illnesses?" by looking at E-mentoring patterns such as time spent online, chat analysis, initiation of conversation, initiation of activities, and out-of-world contact.

Can technologies make a difference for hospitalized youth: Findings from research

“…From the set of papers that we reviewed, the Zora study yielded additional interesting information about the role of the e‐mentor (Cantrell, Fischer, Bouzaher, & Bers, ). It implied some pedagogical engagement of the mentor.…”

“…In the past, specially designed applications have been used to help with connectivity and with teaching children in hospitals (Cantrell et al., ; Fels & Weiss, ; Nicholas et al., ). In light of the recurrent concerns in all studies about technical issues and problems, further investigation of these technologies is needed to overcome existing barriers.…”

“…As above 4. Cantrell et al (2010) To examine the role of mentorship in a virtual world for youth transplant recipients 8 youth transplant recipients (of 24 who consented) participated fully…”

Invented fairy tales in groups with onco‐haematological children

“…It is important to use procedures for a clinical intervention, which can promote the expressing and supporting of the traumatic experience of the illness with mediation tools familiar to the child (Pai et al 2006;Pizzo 2006). In the literature we observe a large number of tools/approaches available to support the traumatic experience of the children and/or family: clown therapy (Koller & Gryski 2008), music therapy (Nguyen et al 2010), pet therapy (Burrow et al 2008), book therapy (Todahl et al 1998), art therapy (Collie & Kante 2011) and virtual mentoring (Cantrell et al 2010), play (Gariépy & Howe 2003) and online group support (Coulson & Greenwood 2012).…”

“…), art therapy (Collie & Kante ) and virtual mentoring (Cantrell et al . ), play (Gariépy & Howe ) and online group support (Coulson & Greenwood ).…”