Title: Information and communication technologies for better patient self-management and self-efficacy

Authors: Stamatia Ilioudi, Athina Lazakidou, Maria Tsironi

Addresses: Department of Nursing, Faculty of Human Movement and Quality of Life Sciences, University of Peloponnese, Sparti General Hospital Building Complex, GR-23100, Sparti, Greece. ' Department of Nursing, Faculty of Human Movement and Quality of Life Sciences, University of Peloponnese, Sparti General Hospital Building Complex, GR-23100, Sparti, Greece. ' Department of Nursing, Faculty of Human Movement and Quality of Life Sciences, University of Peloponnese, Sparti General Hospital Building Complex, GR-23100, Sparti, Greece

Abstract: 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.

Keywords: patient self-management; patient self-efficacy; information technology; communication technology; ICT; personalised medicine; chronic illness; healthcare technology; electronic healthcare; e-healthcare; user needs; patient care.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEH.2010.036205

International Journal of Electronic Healthcare, 2010 Vol.5 No.4, pp.327 - 339

Published online: 29 Oct 2010 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article