Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare > Volume 14, Number 3 > Pp. 114-116

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PAPERS

Preliminary test of an Internet-based diabetes self-management tool

Natalie Armstrong and John Powell 

Health Sciences Research Institute, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK

Correspondence: Dr Natalie Armstrong, Department of Health Sciences, 213d Adrian Building, University Road, Leicester LE1 7RH, UK (Fax: +44 116 229 7250; Email: na144{at}le.ac.uk)

Self-care is a way of helping the health service to manage the growth in long-term chronic conditions. We developed an Internet-based self-management tool for diabetes following detailed consultations with patients. The Virtual Clinic allows a patient to communicate with their health professionals, find information about their condition and share support and advice with others through peer-to-peer discussions. We conducted a test of the Virtual Clinic with five patients prior to the start of a six-month pilot study to evaluate its feasibility, acceptability and effectiveness. The test session involved an interactive computer-based element followed by a focus group to gather feedback. All five patients were positive about the Virtual Clinic. A user-centred approach to developing an Internet intervention is important to ensure that it will meet patients' needs and that they will be enthusiastic about using it.

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				J. Powell, A. Jennings, N. Armstrong, J. Sturt, and J. Dale Pilot study of a virtual diabetes clinic: satisfaction and usability J Telemed Telecare, April 1, 2009; 15(3): 150 - 152. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]