Peer-to-Peer Computing in Health-Promoting Voluntary Organizations: A System Design Analysis

  • Authors:

  • Magnus Irestig;Niklas Hallberg;Henrik Eriksson;Toomas Timpka

  • Affiliations:

  • Department of Computer and Information Science, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden;Department of Computer and Information Science, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden;Department of Computer and Information Science, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden;Department of Computer and Information Science, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden

  • Venue:
  • Journal of Medical Systems
  • Year:
  • 2005

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Abstract

A large part of the health promotion in today's society is performed as peer-to-peer empowerment in voluntary organisations such as sports clubs, charities, and trade unions. In order to prevent work-related illness and long-term sickness absence, the aim of this study is to explore computer network services for empowerment of employees by peer-to-peer communication. The `technique trade-off' method was used for the analysis of the system design. A Critical Incident Technique questionnaire was distributed to a representative sample of trade union shop stewards (n = 386), and focus-group seminars were arranged where a preliminary set of requirements was discussed. Seven basic requirements were identified and matched to a set of 12 design issues for computer network services, allocating a subset of design issues to each requirement. The conclusion is that the systems design displays an inexpensive and potentially feasible method for peer-to-peer computing in voluntary health-promoting organisations.