Neal Kaufman
Internet and information technology use in treatment of diabetes
UCLA Health
chapter contains clinical studies reviews stateoftheart regarding information technology help improve outcomes patients diabetes enhanced education support increasing sophistication diabetes treatment protocols diabetesrelated devices new modality offers remarkable opportunity clinicians patients first time online tools clinicians position major impact diabetes outcomes providing robust affordable justintime support large numbers patients want improve diabetes outcomes enhanced selfmanagement complex behaviours essential good outcomes patients diabetes often need complex set services support ranging glucose monitoring insulin medication management psychotherapy social support physical activity promotion nutrition counselling integrating supports patients therapeutic regimen presents challenges need addressed variety strategies patient selfmanagement diabetes enabled information technology becoming important factor way providers deliver healthcare approaches using information technology support clinical services dramatically altered confluence several trends patients want active role managing health collaborative relationship healthcare providers widespread lowcost internet access erasing existing geographic economic demographic barriers obtaining health information online advanced web 20 technologies high levels interactivity engage patient clinicians researchers deeper understanding people learn respond online knowledge crafted solutions produce effective longterm behaviour change technology enabled approaches show great promise improve outcomes use new models service provision technology enabled selfmanagement support sms provides patients justintime delivery tailored messages experience speak person based unique characteristics performance key behaviours needs moment time ways easily accurately keep track performance use knowledge plan implement new approaches reaching goals ways link directly family friends critical support link many providers help integrate medical care everyday life online tools extend health practices provide support costeffective programmes help clinicians guide patients better manage diabetes best internet selfmanagement education support programmes rich pertinent content provide engaging interactive elements offer tailored personalised learning experience contain selfassessment tools ways individual monitor performance changes biological measurements blood sugar insulin dosage physical activity weight blood pressure mood patient access information input data receive support 24 h day time place convenient limited clinicians office hours webbased learning support technology benefits clinician patient patients learn overcome barriers selfdocument activities interactions permitting clinician review feedback time addition automating much educational content time shifting element one keys making process efficient low cost ability perform automated review patients activities performance also provides clinician valuable tool increases effectiveness efficiency online intervention virtual coach provide individualised guidance support based readily available analyses patients characteristics performance addition clinician communicate frequently efficiently offering personalised email support patient without requiring inperson meetings well monitor virtual support groups patients interact others online via informational chat rooms blogs incorporating webbased patient selfmanagement support traditional treatment methods one clinician effectively support many patients one patient time