Heather Abner

EDIT 6360

Journal

In my past journal, I somewhat narrowed my topic to Support Groups. I posted my topic on our discussion board and asked for suggestions and topic questions. This process helped me understand that my topic was still too broad. I went back to webbing, this time with “Support for CHD families” inside the center. I went from there and webbed what additional info I wanted to know. This helped me understand what I wanted to learn, and I was able to generate some thought on which way to go. My narrowed topic is: What support resources are available for families of Congenital Heart Defect patients?

After I narrowed the search, I started the pre-notetaking sheet to see what topics I need to learn more about and where I should start my search for more information. This was helpful to organize my thoughts and visualize what I need to look for. I am a visual learner, so I wrote everything down on paper and looked to see what jumped out at me, and then I transferred the things that hit me here into the electronic file. The process really provoked thoughts that I didn’t know I had. Also, it helped me address what things I know so I don’t duplicate it in my research. Now I know where to start my search: online, through the hospital, and in my community (friends/family/church).

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What I know	What I don’t know	Answers I want to find
There are many groups on the Internet	Which are most knowledgeable? Who would best understand my issues? Should I go “broad” like a general health group, or should I narrow it to a CHD group?	What groups on the Internet should I join? Are there groups for HRHS, my son’s specific defect?
The hospital offers a support group for heart patient families	Would their support be objective? Will they be able to connect me with people with the same defect/issues? Is the group organized or do we have to connect ourselves? Will doctors & nurses be available for contact through this group? Do the kids get involved in this group? How do I join, or get involved? What do I have to do if I join? Is there a charge to join?	What does the support from the hospital offer to me and how do I get involved? Are medical professionals accessible through the groups?
Local organizations & community probably offer support: Community groups Church Friends & family	What organizations? Will I get help I need though this non-heart-specific support? How would spiritual support help me? Is it enough to just talk to friends & family? Do my friends/family know anyone with similar issues? Are others willing to talk to me about their experiences?	How can friends/family/church help me? What community organizations are available?