Army to begin virtual support group for amputees

Army officials want to develop a virtual support group platform for amputees and their families, according to a contract announcement posted on the Federal Business Opportunities Web site.

The Army Medical Research Acquisition Activity wants to make virtual support groups available to people who do not have access to physical groups, citing the many studies showing that support groups improve quality of life.

Patients in support groups are better able to cope with pain, have less psychological distress and anxiety, are less likely to be depressed, and engage in more physical activity, the Army said.

Officials said they expect virtual support groups to appeal to people with physical disabilities because many of them are already comfortable interacting in virtual worlds.

Proposals are due by June 5.