Health Discussion Plan Example

Welcome Introduction

The following welcome introduction would appear as users login to the online discussion board. You can add/edit this introduction in the workspace under the ‘Manage’ tab of your nominated discussion board. 

Hi Everyone,

My name is [insert moderators name] and I am the discussion board moderator. I would like to welcome you to the group!  

Over the next [insert duration of board in days] we will be talking about [insert topic].

We will also be exploring some of the opinions and views we have around the subject of [insert topic].

Who am I?
I am a [insert Moderator’s job title e.g. Marketing Consultant].  This means I like to ask you a lot of questions and I am always interested in what you have to say.

The most important thing to remember is that I am not affiliated with any organisation in the area of [insert topic]. My focus is getting your honest feedback.

The ground rules
Each day I will be posting new activities for you to complete.  If you have any problems with the questions or software, please email me directly at [insert Moderator’s contact email address].

In order to get the most out of the experience, please comment, discuss and ask questions of other participants on the board – hopefully we’ll all enjoy learning a little about each others perspective and opinions.

We encourage you to debate or ask each other to clarify points and ask questions – however be sure to treat the other participants with respect and avoid using language that may offend.

You can even “add an Avatar” (picture) to your Alias if you wish.

We hope you enjoy your participation in this online discussion board.

Example Discussion Plan

The following sample discussion plan uses an Influenza study as an example. 

Day One: Topic A (Introduction)

This time of the year we are always getting sneezes and coughs!
For your first exercise I would like you to tell me in your own words what are the differences between having a Cold and having the Flu?
Please note: there are no right or wrong answers to this question, other than what your personal views are.

Day One: Topic B (Private topic)

In this first topic all your comments will be kept private and only seen by you and the moderator.
In this topic I would like you to tell me what you know about InFluenza, the “Flu”.

• What do you know about the InFluenza or “the Flu”?  
• What preventative measures can you take to reduce the risk of catching the Flu?  
• Have you ever had the Flu and do you know how you might of caught it?  
• What made you think you had the Flu and not a Cold?
• What could you do to stop spreading the Flu to your family and friends?   Please be as detailed as possible.

Day Two: Topic (ALL)

Thank you everyone for completing the first day’s task. If you have not yet completed the task or added your response to all the questions can you please do so before you answer today's topic question.
We all know we can catch the Flu, but what do you know about being vaccinated?

• What have you heard about taking the Flu vaccination?
• Who can be vaccinated for the Flu?
• Who can’t be vaccinated against the Flu and why?
• How often do you think you should be vaccinated and why?
• What are the positives and negatives for be vaccinated for the Flu?  

Please be as detailed as possible.

Quick Poll - results posted

Who is eligible to receive a free InFluenza (the Flu) vaccination?
Options:

1. People aged 65 and over
2. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged over 15
3. Anyone (aged over 6 months) with underlying medical conditions including
4. Pregnant women
5. All of the above

Day Three: Topic (ALL)

Thank you everyone for completing the second topic. If you have not yet answered all the questions and added a comment to the discussions can you please do so before answering today's questions.
Today I want us to talk about how we might hear about the Flu vaccination and taking it as a preventive measure.

• What would you say are your top 5 health information sources?
• Is the source of the information you receive important to you and why?

Please be as detailed as possible.

Day Three: Topic B Follow-up question (ALL)

Of all the health information sources you have listed which of those do you trust the most and why?

Please be as detailed as possible.

Quick Poll - results posted

Which of the following health information sources would you consider the most trustworthy?

• Option 1

• Option 2
• Option 3
• Option 4
• Option 5

Day Four: Topic (ALL)

Thank you everyone for completing your daily tasks. If you have not yet answered all the questions and added a commented to the discussions can you please do so before answering today's questions.

Today I want us to talk about why you wouldn’t take the Flu vaccination.

• For what reasons would you choose not to vaccinate yourself and why?
• What reason would you choose not to vaccinate your children and why?

Quick Poll - results kept private until completed.

Which of the following statements is NOT true?

1. Children and adults who take the Flu Vaccine are less likely to get the Flu
2. Children and adults who take the vaccine and get the Flu will are less likely to need hospital treatment for Influenza (Flu)
3. Children and adults who take the Flu vaccine may catch the Flu as a result

Day five: Topic (ALL)

Today is our last day and if you have not yet completed the other topics and added to the discussions can you please do so before answering these last questions. (Please complete all topics to receive you full incentive).

• What information do you need to make an informed decision about whether you should vaccinate yourself, your family or your children against the Flu?
• When would you start to think about possibly taking the Flu vaccine and why?
• Would you seek advice from others?
• Who would you seek advice from and why?

Day six: Closing remarks and thank you message from the moderator