M-healthcare for patient self-management: a case for diabetics.
Disease management facilitated through information technology could mean a step forward towards a more effective and efficient care of patients afflicted with chronic illnesses. Focusing on diabetes, the paper explores the value proposition of wireless technology in enhancing patient self-management and quality of life. Diabetics' non-compliance with prescribed treatment plans mandates the adoption of advanced tools that can support patients through automated functions (e.g., notification reminders for taking medication), decision-support (e.g., analysis of self-test data and feedback), and anytime/anywhere communication and intervention capability (e.g., emergency consultation by healthcare practitioner). A cost-benefit analysis for the mobile self-management of diabetics suggests time and financial savings for both patients and the healthcare providers.
Michael G. DeGroote School of Business, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. cocosim@mcmaster.ca
Mihail
M
Cocosila
Constantinos
C
Coursaris
Yufei
Y
Yuan
D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000628:therapy*; D019468:Disease Management; D006801:Humans; D010349:Patient Compliance; D012648:Self Care; D017216:Telemedicine