Information and communication technologies for better patient self-management and self-efficacy.
Achieving benefits from the introduction of ICTs as part of processes aimed at building sustainable self-efficacy and self-management is very difficult, not least because of a desire to avoid simply replacing patient dependency on health professionals with dependency on technology. Chronic illnesses require ongoing attention that differs from traditional, encounter-based care for acute illnesses. Patients with chronic illnesses such as asthma, cardiovascular disease, depression, diabetes, heart failure and migraine headaches play a central role in managing the broad array of factors that contribute to their health. Individuals with diabetes, for example, provide close to 95% of their own care. Self-efficacy is enhanced when patients succeed in solving patient-identified problems. Patients with chronic conditions make day-to-day decisions about - self-manage - their illnesses. The paper highlights that in deploying ICTs, it is important to ensure that solutions implemented are based on a detailed understanding of users, their needs and complex interactions with health professionals, the health system and their wider environment.
Department of Nursing, Faculty of Human Movement and Quality of Life Sciences, University of Peloponnese, Sparti General Hospital Building Complex, GR-23100, Sparti, Greece. mata_ilioudi@yahoo.gr
Stamatia
S
Ilioudi
Athina
A
Lazakidou
Maria
M
Tsironi
D002908:Chronic Disease / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy*; D005190:Family; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D008491:Medical Informatics Applications; D008499:Medical Records / Q000592:standards; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations; D012648:Self Care / Q000379:methods*; D020377:Self Efficacy; D012944:Social Support; D013685:Telecommunications