Attitudes of young people with diabetes to an Internet-based virtual clinic.
We assessed the feasibility of developing a virtual diabetes clinic for young people, using the Internet. The proposed content of the site would be based on self-efficacy theory, aiming to develop confidence in self-management of diabetes. A questionnaire about the proposed Website was delivered to 72 patients who attended a young person's outpatient clinic in a district hospital. Thirty-nine replies were received, a response rate of 54%. The mean age of the respondents was 13 years. A positive attitude to the potential clinic was reported by 95% of respondents. The items rated as most useful were: quick and easy access to up-to-date information about diabetes; the opportunity to ask an expert; good graphics; easy navigation; interactivity. Responses to open questions indicated that 24-hour access and anonymity in asking questions were also valued. A virtual clinic appears to be a possible method of health-care delivery to young people with diabetes.
Lowe
Pam
P
Centre for Primary Health Care Studies, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK. P.Lowe@warwick.ac.uk
Hearnshaw
Hilary
H
Griffiths
Frances
F
D000293:Adolescent; D001292:Attitude to Computers; D001294:Attitude to Health; D002648:Child; D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D008297:Male; D020377:Self Efficacy; D017216:Telemedicine / Q000379:methods*; D014584:User-Computer Interface