The effects on health behavior and health outcomes of Internet-based asynchronous communication between health providers and patients with a chronic condition: a systematic review

Catharina Carolina de Jong, Wynand Jg Ros, Guus Schrijvers, Catharina Carolina de Jong, Wynand Jg Ros, Guus Schrijvers

Abstract

Background: In support of professional practice, asynchronous communication between the patient and the provider is implemented separately or in combination with Internet-based self-management interventions. This interaction occurs primarily through electronic messaging or discussion boards. There is little evidence as to whether it is a useful tool for chronically ill patients to support their self-management and increase the effectiveness of interventions.

Objective: The aim of our study was to review the use and usability of patient-provider asynchronous communication for chronically ill patients and the effects of such communication on health behavior, health outcomes, and patient satisfaction.

Methods: A literature search was performed using PubMed and Embase. The quality of the articles was appraised according to the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) criteria. The use and usability of the asynchronous communication was analyzed by examining the frequency of use and the number of users of the interventions with asynchronous communication, as well as of separate electronic messaging. The effectiveness of asynchronous communication was analyzed by examining effects on health behavior, health outcomes, and patient satisfaction.

Results: Patients' knowledge concerning their chronic condition increased and they seemed to appreciate being able to communicate asynchronously with their providers. They not only had specific questions but also wanted to communicate about feeling ill. A decrease in visits to the physician was shown in two studies (P=.07, P=.07). Increases in self-management/self-efficacy for patients with back pain, dyspnea, and heart failure were found. Positive health outcomes were shown in 12 studies, where the clinical outcomes for diabetic patients (HbA1c level) and for asthmatic patients (forced expiratory volume [FEV]) improved. Physical symptoms improved in five studies. Five studies generated a variety of positive psychosocial outcomes.

Conclusions: The effect of asynchronous communication is not shown unequivocally in these studies. Patients seem to be interested in using email. Patients are willing to participate and are taking the initiative to discuss health issues with their providers. Additional testing of the effects of asynchronous communication on self-management in chronically ill patients is needed.

Keywords: Internet; chronic disease; delivery of health care; electronic mail; health services; medical informatics; self-care; self-efficacy; telecommunications; telemedicine.

Conflict of interest statement

Conflicts of Interest: None declared.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Search results.

References

    1. World Health Organization. [2014-01-05]. Health topics - chronic diseases
    1. Bastiaens H, Van Royen P, Pavlic DR, Raposo V, Baker R. Older people's preferences for involvement in their own care: a qualitative study in primary health care in 11 European countries. Patient Educ Couns. 2007 Sep;68(1):33–42. doi: 10.1016/j.pec.2007.03.025.
    1. Griffin SJ, Kinmonth AL, Veltman MW, Gillard S, Grant J, Stewart M. Effect on health-related outcomes of interventions to alter the interaction between patients and practitioners: a systematic review of trials. Ann Fam Med. 2004;2(6):595–608. doi: 10.1370/afm.142.
    1. Edwards A, Elwyn G, Hood K, Atwell C, Robling M, Houston H, Kinnersley P, Russell I, Study Steering Group Patient-based outcome results from a cluster randomized trial of shared decision making skill development and use of risk communication aids in general practice. Fam Pract. 2004 Aug;21(4):347–54. doi: 10.1093/fampra/cmh402.
    1. Huber M, Knottnerus JA, Green L, van der Horst H, Jadad AR, Kromhout D, Leonard B, Lorig K, Loureiro MI, van der Meer JW, Schnabel P, Smith R, van Weel C, Smid H. How should we define health? BMJ. 2011;343:d4163.
    1. World Health Organization Official Records of the World Health Organization. 2004. [2014-01-05]. Preamble to the Constitution of the World Health Organization as adopted by the International Health Conference, New York, 19-22 June, 1946; signed on 22 July 1946 by the representatives of 61 States .
    1. Ursum J, Rijken M, Heijmans M. NIVEL Overzichtstudies: zorg voor chronisch zieken: organisatie van zorg, zelfmanagement, zelfredzaamheid en participatie. Utrecht: NIVEL; 2011. .
    1. Lambregts J, Grotendorst A. Leren van de toekomst Verpleegkundigen & Verzorgenden 2020. Houten: Bohn Stafleu van Loghum; 2012.
    1. Bond GE, Burr R, Wolf FM, Price M, McCurry SM, Teri L. The effects of a Web-based intervention on the physical outcomes associated with diabetes among adults age 60 and older: a randomized trial. Diabetes Technol Ther. 2007 Feb;9(1):52–9. doi: 10.1089/dia.2006.0057.
    1. Oudshoorn N. Diagnosis at a distance: the invisible work of patients and healthcare professionals in cardiac telemonitoring technology. Sociol Health Illn. 2008 Mar;30(2):272–88. doi: 10.1111/j.1467-9566.2007.01032.x.
    1. Webb TL, Joseph J, Yardley L, Michie S. Using the Internet to promote health behavior change: a systematic review and meta-analysis of the impact of theoretical basis, use of behavior change techniques, and mode of delivery on efficacy. J Med Internet Res. 2010;12(1):e4. doi: 10.2196/jmir.1376.
    1. Wantland DJ, Portillo CJ, Holzemer WL, Slaughter R, McGhee EM. The effectiveness of Web-based vs. non-Web-based interventions: a meta-analysis of behavioral change outcomes. J Med Internet Res. 2004 Nov 10;6(4):e40. doi: 10.2196/jmir.6.4.e40.
    1. Eland-de Kok P, van Os-Medendorp H, Vergouwe-Meijer A, Bruijnzeel-Koomen C, Ros W. A systematic review of the effects of e-health on chronically ill patients. J Clin Nurs. 2011 Nov;20(21-22):2997–3010. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2702.2011.03743.x.
    1. Inglis SC, Clark RA, McAlister FA, Stewart S, Cleland JG. Which components of heart failure programmes are effective? A systematic review and meta-analysis of the outcomes of structured telephone support or telemonitoring as the primary component of chronic heart failure management in 8323 patients: Abridged Cochrane Review. Eur J Heart Fail. 2011 Sep;13(9):1028–40. doi: 10.1093/eurjhf/hfr039.
    1. Paré G. Clinical effects of home telemonitoring in the context of diabetes, asthma, heart failure and hypertension : systematic review. Montréal: HEC Montréal, Chaire de recherche du Canada en technologie de l'information dans le secteur de la santé; 2009.
    1. Radhakrishnan K, Jacelon C. Impact of telehealth on patient self-management of heart failure: a review of literature. J Cardiovasc Nurs. 2012;27(1):33–43. doi: 10.1097/JCN.0b013e318216a6e9.
    1. Weiner M, Callahan CM, Tierney WM, Overhage JM, Mamlin B, Dexter PR, McDonald CJ. Using information technology to improve the health care of older adults. Ann Intern Med. 2003 Sep 2;139(5 Pt 2):430–6.
    1. Black AD, Car J, Pagliari C, Anandan C, Cresswell K, Bokun T, McKinstry B, Procter R, Majeed A, Sheikh A. The impact of eHealth on the quality and safety of health care: a systematic overview. PLoS Med. 2011;8(1):e1000387. doi: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1000387.
    1. Stellefson M, Chaney B, Barry AE, Chavarria E, Tennant B, Walsh-Childers K, Sriram PS, Zagora J. Web 2.0 chronic disease self-management for older adults: a systematic review. J Med Internet Res. 2013;15(2):e35. doi: 10.2196/jmir.2439.
    1. Murray E, Burns J, See TS, Lai R, Nazareth I. Interactive Health Communication Applications for people with chronic disease. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2005;(4):CD004274. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD004274.pub4.
    1. Allen M, Iezzoni LI, Huang A, Huang L, Leveille SG. Improving patient-clinician communication about chronic conditions: description of an Internet-based nurse E-coach intervention. Nurs Res. 2008;57(2):107–12. doi: 10.1097/01.NNR.0000313478.47379.98.
    1. Schardt C, Adams MB, Owens T, Keitz S, Fontelo P. Utilization of the PICO framework to improve searching PubMed for clinical questions. BMC Med Inform Decis Mak. 2007;7:16. doi: 10.1186/1472-6947-7-16.
    1. Eurostat. [2013-11-17]. .
    1. Ammenwerth E, Schnell-Inderst P, Hoerbst A. The impact of electronic patient portals on patient care: a systematic review of controlled trials. J Med Internet Res. 2012;14(6):e162. doi: 10.2196/jmir.2238.
    1. National Institiute for Clinical Excellence The Guideline manual appendices (09/18) 2013. [2014-01-06]. .
    1. Cruz-Correia R, Fonseca J, Lima L, Araújo L, Delgado L, Castel-Branco MG, Costa-Pereira A. Web-based or paper-based self-management tools for asthma--patients' opinions and quality of data in a randomized crossover study. Stud Health Technol Inform. 2007;127:178–89.
    1. Berman RL, Iris MA, Bode R, Drengenberg C. The effectiveness of an online mind-body intervention for older adults with chronic pain. J Pain. 2009 Jan;10(1):68–79. doi: 10.1016/j.jpain.2008.07.006.
    1. Ghahari S, Leigh Packer T, Passmore AE. Effectiveness of an online fatigue self-management programme for people with chronic neurological conditions: a randomized controlled trial. Clin Rehabil. 2010 Aug;24(8):727–44. doi: 10.1177/0269215509360648.
    1. Ralston JD, Hirsch IB, Hoath J, Mullen M, Cheadle A, Goldberg HI. Web-based collaborative care for type 2 diabetes: a pilot randomized trial. Diabetes Care. 2009 Feb;32(2):234–9. doi: 10.2337/dc08-1220.
    1. Hill W, Weinert C, Cudney S. Influence of a computer intervention on the psychological status of chronically ill rural women: preliminary results. Nurs Res. 2006;55(1):34–42.
    1. Kwon HS, Cho JH, Kim HS, Song BR, Ko SH, Lee JM, Kim SR, Chang SA, Kim HS, Cha BY, Lee KW, Son HY, Lee JH, Lee WC, Yoon KH. Establishment of blood glucose monitoring system using the Internet. Diabetes Care. 2004 Feb;27(2):478–83.
    1. McMahon GT, Gomes HE, Hickson Hohne S, Hu TM, Levine BA, Conlin PR. Web-based care management in patients with poorly controlled diabetes. Diabetes Care. 2005 Jul;28(7):1624–9.
    1. Nguyen HQ, Donesky D, Reinke LF, Wolpin S, Chyall L, Benditt JO, Paul SM, Carrieri-Kohlman V. Internet-based dyspnea self-management support for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. J Pain Symptom Manage. 2013 Jul;46(1):43–55. doi: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2012.06.015.
    1. Ross SE, Moore LA, Earnest MA, Wittevrongel L, Lin CT. Providing a Web-based online medical record with electronic communication capabilities to patients with congestive heart failure: randomized trial. J Med Internet Res. 2004 May 14;6(2):e12. doi: 10.2196/jmir.6.2.e12.
    1. Lin CT, Wittevrongel L, Moore L, Beaty BL, Ross SE. An Internet-based patient-provider communication system: randomized controlled trial. J Med Internet Res. 2005;7(4):e47. doi: 10.2196/jmir.7.4.e47.
    1. Lorig KR, Laurent DD, Deyo RA, Marnell ME, Minor MA, Ritter PL. Can a Back Pain E-mail Discussion Group improve health status and lower health care costs?: A randomized study. Arch Intern Med. 2002 Apr 8;162(7):792–6.
    1. van der Meer V, Bakker MJ, van den Hout WB, Rabe KF, Sterk PJ, Kievit J, Assendelft WJ, Sont JK, SMASHING (Self-Management in Asthma Supported by Hospitals‚ ICT‚ NursesGeneral Practitioners) Study Group Internet-based self-management plus education compared with usual care in asthma: a randomized trial. Ann Intern Med. 2009 Jul 21;151(2):110–20.
    1. Weinert C, Cudney S, Hill W. Health knowledge acquisition by rural women with chronic health conditions: a tale of two Web approaches. Aust J Rural Health. 2008 Oct;16(5):302–7. doi: 10.1111/j.1440-1584.2008.01004.x.
    1. Weinert C, Cudney S, Comstock B, Bansal A. Computer intervention impact on psychosocial adaptation of rural women with chronic conditions. Nurs Res. 2011;60(2):82–91. doi: 10.1097/NNR.0b013e3181ffbcf2.
    1. Lorig KR, Ritter PL, González VM. Hispanic chronic disease self-management: a randomized community-based outcome trial. Nurs Res. 2003;52(6):361–9.
    1. Reed RL, Battersby M, Osborne RH, Bond MJ, Howard SL, Roeger L. Protocol for a randomised controlled trial of chronic disease self-management support for older Australians with multiple chronic diseases. Contemp Clin Trials. 2011 Nov;32(6):946–52. doi: 10.1016/j.cct.2011.08.001.
    1. Välimäki M, Nenonen H, Koivunen M, Suhonen R. Patients' perceptions of Internet usage and their opportunity to obtain health information. Med Inform Internet Med. 2007 Dec;32(4):305–14. doi: 10.1080/14639230701819792.
    1. Eysenbach G. The law of attrition. J Med Internet Res. 2005;7(1):e11. doi: 10.2196/jmir.7.1.e11.
    1. Ros WJ. MyUMC Patient Portal: patient and professional perspectives. Int J Integr Care. 2012;12(1):e90.
    1. Komproe IH, Rijken M, Ros WJ, Winnubst JA, `tHart H. Available Support and Received Support: Different Effects Under Stressful Circumstances. Journal of Social and Personal Relationships. 1997 Feb 01;14(1):59–77. doi: 10.1177/0265407597141003.
    1. Cutrona CE, Russell D. The provisions of social relationships and adaptation to stress. In: Jones WH, Perlman D, editors. Advances in personal relationships. Greenwich, CT: JAI Press; 1987. pp. 37–67.
    1. Kruse RL, Koopman RJ, Wakefield BJ, Wakefield DS, Keplinger LE, Canfield SM, Mehr DR. Internet use by primary care patients: where is the digital divide? Fam Med. 2012 May;44(5):342–7.
    1. Heart T, Kalderon E. Older adults: are they ready to adopt health-related ICT? Int J Med Inform. 2013 Nov;82(11):e209–31. doi: 10.1016/j.ijmedinf.2011.03.002.
    1. Eley R, Fallon T, Soar J, Buikstra E, Hegney D. Barriers to use of information and computer technology by Australia's nurses: a national survey. J Clin Nurs. 2009 Apr;18(8):1151–8. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2702.2008.02336.x.

Source: PubMed

Patrocinadores e Colaboradores

Condições médicas

Intervenções de drogas

3
Se inscrever