Understanding the Advantages of Mobile Solutions for Chronic Disease Management

Author(s):  
Nilmini Wickramasinghe ◽  
Arthur Tatnall ◽  
Steve Goldberg

In an environment of escalating healthcare costs, chronic disease management is particularly challenging, since, by definition such diseases have no foreseeable cure and if poorly managed typically lead to further, complicated secondary health issues, which ultimately only serve to exacerbate cost. Diabetes is one of the leading chronic diseases and its prevalence continues to rise exponentially. Thus it behooves all to focus on solutions that can result in superior management of this disease. Hence, this article presents findings from a longitudinal exploratory case study that examined the application of a pervasive technology solution; a mobile phone, to provide superior diabetes self-care. Notably, the benefits of a pervasive technology solution for supporting superior self-care in the context of chronic disease are made especially apparent when viewed through the rich lens of Actor-Network Theory (ANT) and thus the paper underscores the importance of using ANT in such contexts to facilitate a deeper understanding of all potential advantages.

Author(s):  
Nilmini Wickramasinghe ◽  
Arthur Tatnall ◽  
Steve Goldberg

The WHO has labelled diabetes the silent epidemic. This is because the instances of diabetes worldwide continue to grow exponentially. In fact, by 2030 it is expected that there will be a 54% global increase. Thus, it behooves all to focus on solutions that can result in superior management of this disease. Hence, this chapter presents findings from a longitudinal exploratory case study that examined the application of a pervasive technology solution, a mobile phone to provide superior diabetes self-care. Notably, the benefits of a pervasive technology solution for supporting superior self-care in the context of chronic disease are made especially apparent when viewed through the rich lens of Actor-Network Theory (ANT), and thus, the chapter underscores the importance of using ANT in such contexts to facilitate a deeper understanding of all potential advantages.


Author(s):  
Nilmini Wickramasinghe ◽  
Arthur Tatnall ◽  
Steve Goldberg

The WHO has labelled diabetes the silent epidemic. This is because the instances of diabetes worldwide continue to grow exponentially. In fact, by 2030 it is expected that there will be a 54% global increase. Thus, it behooves all to focus on solutions that can result in superior management of this disease. Hence, this chapter presents findings from a longitudinal exploratory case study that examined the application of a pervasive technology solution, a mobile phone to provide superior diabetes self-care. Notably, the benefits of a pervasive technology solution for supporting superior self-care in the context of chronic disease are made especially apparent when viewed through the rich lens of Actor-Network Theory (ANT), and thus, the chapter underscores the importance of using ANT in such contexts to facilitate a deeper understanding of all potential advantages.


Author(s):  
Barbara Arnoldussen ◽  
Amal Mougharbel ◽  
Ramesh Konda ◽  
Frank Aguilera ◽  
Venketesh Gopal ◽  
...  

2010 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 7-21 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ann-Marie Rosland ◽  
John D. Piette

Objectives: We identify recent models for programmes aiming to increase effective family support for chronic illness management and self-care among adult patients without significant physical or cognitive disabilities. We then summarize evidence regarding the efficacy for each model identified. Methods: Structured review of studies published in medical and psychology databases from 1990 to the present, reference review, general Web searches and conversations with family intervention experts. Review was limited to studies on conditions that require ongoing self-management, such as diabetes, chronic heart disease and rheumatologic disease. Results: Programmes with three separate foci were identified: (1) Programmes that guide family members in setting goals for supporting patient self-care behaviours have led to improved implementation of family support roles, but have mixed success improving patient outcomes. (2) Programmes that train family in supportive communication techniques, such as prompting patient coping techniques or use of autonomy supportive statements, have successfully improved patient symptom management and health behaviours. (3) Programmes that give families tools and infrastructure to assist in monitoring clinical symptoms and medications are being conducted, with no evidence to date on their impact on patient outcomes. Discussion: The next generation of programmes to improve family support for chronic disease management incorporate a variety of strategies. Future research can define optimal clinical situations for family support programmes, the most effective combinations of support strategies, and how best to integrate family support programmes into comprehensive models of chronic disease care.


2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nilmini Wickramasinghe ◽  
Blooma John ◽  
Joey George ◽  
Doug Vogel

BACKGROUND The World Health Organization notes that diabetes, a chronic disease, is a silent epidemic, and by 2020 there will be a 54% rise in the total number of individuals diagnosed with this disease. These are alarming figures that have significant repercussions for the quality of life of individuals and their families as well as for the financial stress of health care systems globally. Early detection and proactive management of diabetes is essential. The Diamond solution provides diabetes self-management by enabling patients to send details about their blood sugar readings at specific times to their nominated care coordinator to receive recommendations for diet and exercise and insulin titration. OBJECTIVE The aim of the study was to assess the usability, acceptability, and fidelity of the Diamond diabetes monitoring device for patients with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Specifically assessed were (1) patient compliance, (2) patient satisfaction, (3) level of glycemic control achieved, and (4) health professional satisfaction. METHODS Using a design science research perspective, the Diamond diabetes monitoring device solution was adapted to the Australian health care environment. Once the solution was deemed fit for purpose by the director of the OB/GYN clinical institute and on securing all relevant ethics approvals, a 2-period 2-arm nonblinded crossover clinical trial was conducted for 8 weeks total time with crossover at 4 weeks to establish proof of concept, usability, and fidelity. The patient perspective was assessed by using structured questionnaires at 4 specific stages of the project, while the clinician perspective was captured via semistructured interviews and unstructured questionnaires. RESULTS The 10 patients studied reported preferring standard care with the technology solution to standard care alone. Further, all clinicians involved concurred that the technology solution greatly assisted their ability to provide higher value patient-centered care. They also noted that it was extremely helpful for assisting in systematically monitoring glucose levels and any/all changes and trends. CONCLUSIONS Based on these initial findings, we offer a holistic pervasive approach to enable the achievement of value-based, patient-centered care in chronic disease management. Key lessons include the importance when designing such solutions to focus on the two primary user groups (patients and clinicians).


Author(s):  
Yulia Dewi Irawati ◽  
Adi Heru Sutomo ◽  
Mora Claramita

Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease and has the potential for complications that affect the entire body so that it requires a comprehensive approach. This means that the management of DMT2 must involve various parties, both medical, paramedic, patient, family and community. One strategy for managing DMT2 is Prolanis (Chronic Disease Management Program) which is a diabetes support group at Jetis II Health Center. To find out the success of Prolanis implementation, an evaluation of the benefits of the diabetes support group is needed.Objective: To find out the benefits obtained from participating in the diabetes support group in Prolanis at the Jetis II Bantul Health Center.Method: A qualitative descriptive study with a case study approach. Data were obtained from patients with DMT2 members of Prolanis (Chronic Disease Management Program) and officers of the Jetis II health center in Bantul Regency. Retrieval of data in patients with focus group discussions on 30 resource persons divided into 3 groups. Other data is by conducting independent interviews with 6 informants of the puskesmas staff involved in the diabetes support group activities of Prolanis.Results: The benefits obtained from the diabetes support group are grouped into 3 categories namely biopsychosocial support, information, and individual empowerment. Most patients benefit from obtaining biopsychosocial support from the Prolanis group. Benefits for DMT2 patients Prolanis members get information in the second place and the last is individual empowerment at least the benefits are felt.Conclusion: The benefits of a diabetes support group for DMT2 patients in Prolanis members are to get biopsychosocial support, information, and individual empowerment.


2016 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 55-61 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter Picton ◽  
Sara Urowitz ◽  
David Wiljer ◽  
Joseph Cafazzo

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