Randomized Controlled Trial of an Internet-Based Versus Face-to-Face Dyspnea Self-Management Program for Patients With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: Pilot Study

“Background: People with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) continue to experience dyspnea with activities of daily living (ADL) despite optimal medical management. Information and communication technologies may facilitate collaborative symptom management and could potentially increase the reach of such interventions to those who are unable to attend face-to-face pulmonary rehabilitation or self-management programs.
Objective: The purpose of this randomized study was to test the efficacy of two 6-month dyspnea self-management programs, Internet-based (eDSMP) and face-to-face (fDSMP), on dyspnea with ADL in people living with COPD.
Conclusions: Although there were numerous technical challenges with the eDSMP, both dyspnea self-management programs were effective in reducing dyspnea with ADL in the short term. Our findings will need to be confirmed in a larger randomized trial with more mature Web and personal digital assistant tools, use of a control group, and longer follow-up.”
Article
Nguyen HQ, Donesky-Cuenco D, Wolpin S, Reinke LF, Benditt JO, Paul SM, Carrieri-Kohlman V, J Med Internet Res 2008;10(2):e9, DOI 10.2196/jmir.990

A Randomized, Controlled Proof-of-Concept Trial of an Internet-Based, Therapist-Assisted Self-Management Treatment for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

“OBJECTIVE: The authors report an 8-week randomized, controlled proof-of-concept trial of a new therapist-assisted, Internet-based, self-management cognitive behavior therapy versus Internet-based supportive counseling for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
CONCLUSIONS: Self-management cognitive behavior therapy may be a way of delivering effective treatment to large numbers with unmet needs and barriers to care.”
Abstract
Brett T. Litz, Charles C. Engel, Richard A. Bryant, Anthony Papa, Am J Psychiatry 164:1676-1684, November 2007

E-health and diabetes care

“A study was designed to develop e-health knowledge in Finland, and create quantitative evidence of the benefits of e-health for productivity in the health-care process. First, a literature review was conducted. Then a multiple case study methodology was employed. This involves an interview study and a quantitative analysis of process data in order to understand the primary care processes concerning diabetes. Based on the results from the literature review, e-health has the potential to provide evidence-based, interactive tools to empower patient self-management, enhance practice/provider efficiency and work flow, and improve patient-provider communication. The effects of e-health in chronic disease management seem to be positive. Research is needed in order to evaluate the most efficient methods of handling routine communication and basic care online. We believe that e-health based services will offer effective ways of managing chronic diseases in future.”
Abstract
Ekroos, Nora; Jalonen, Kari, Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare, Volume 13, Supplement 1

Development of a Web portal to assist in diabetes education and self-management

“A Web portal was developed to assist in diabetes education and self-management. Access to reliable information is an essential component of effective self-care in diabetes. Education was provided as a series of learning objects, aimed at patients with either Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes. Where appropriate, material was also provided via multimedia learning tools, such as tutorials and interactive quizzes. Throughout the development of the Web portal, periodic assessment was carried out by an expert patient group. This comprised 10 individuals, four of whom had Type 1 diabetes and two with Type 2. The expert group provided feedback to the health-care professionals involved with content development. There were also regular discussion forums with both patients and health-care staff. The portal was designed to facilitate effective self-management, by providing ongoing support with regular feedback on progress.”
Abstract
Devlin, Steven; Harper, Roy; Reynolds, Phyl; McCullagh, Paul, Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare, Volume 13, Supplement 1

Engaging Patients in their Healthcare

“Data from surveys carried out in the UK, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Germany and the USA; and from England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland; were used to compare performance in each country in relation to six indicators of patient engagement:

• quality of doctor-patient communication;
• access to alternative sources of information and advice;
• provision of preventive care and advice;
• informed choice of provider;
• risk communication and involvement in treatment decisions;
• support for self-care and self-management.”

Angela Coulter, Picker Institute Europe, April 2006

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