Abstract
BackgroundThe prevalence of diabetes and the use of electronic health (eHealth) resources are increasing. People with diabetes need frequent monitoring and follow-up of health parameters, and eHealth services can be of great significance in this regard. However, little is known about the extent to which different kinds of eHealth tools are used, and how the use of eHealth is associated with the use of provider-based health care services among people with diabetes.ObjectiveThe primary objective of this study is to investigate the use of eHealth and its association with the use of provider-based health care services. The secondary objectives include investigating which eHealth services are used (apps, search engines, video services, social media), the relationship between socioeconomic status and the use of different eHealth tools, whether the use of eHealth is discussed in the clinical encounter, and whether such tools might lead to (or prevent) doctor visits and referrals.MethodsWe will conduct cross-sectional studies based on self-reported questionnaire data from the population-based seventh Tromsø Study. Participants will be diabetic patients aged 40 years and older. According to our estimates, approximately 1050 participants will be eligible for inclusion. Data will be analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and univariable and multivariable logistic regressions.ResultsThe grant proposal for this study was approved by the Northern Norway Regional Health Authority on November 23, 2015 (HST 1306-16). Recruitment of participants for the Tromsø Study started in 2015 and will continue throughout 2016. This particular project started on July 1, 2016.ConclusionsThis project may yield benefits for patients, health care providers, hospitals, and society as a whole. Benefits are related to improved prevention services, health, experience of care services, self-management tools and services, organizational structures, efficiency of specialist care use, allocation of resources, and understanding of how to meet the challenges from the increasing prevalence of diabetes. This project has potential for generalization to other groups with chronic disease.
Highlights
Solutions based on information and communication technology for health information, self-management, and novel treatment strategies have developed rapidly in recent years
The grant proposal for this study was approved by the Northern Norway Regional Health Authority on November 23, 2015 (HST 1306-16)
Benefits are related to improved prevention services, health, experience of care services, self-management tools and services, organizational structures, efficiency of specialist care use, allocation of resources, and understanding of how to meet the challenges from the increasing prevalence of diabetes
Summary
Solutions based on information and communication technology for health information, self-management, and novel treatment strategies have developed rapidly in recent years. These solutions have become an option for patient self-management, and potential aids to health care services in their struggle to keep up with the population’s increasing expectations of service. Of particular interest are patients with chronic diseases, such as diabetes mellitus (DM), who are in need of frequent monitoring and follow-up of health parameters. The prevalence of diabetes and the use of electronic health (eHealth) resources are increasing. People with diabetes need frequent monitoring and follow-up of health parameters, and eHealth services can be of great significance in this regard. Little is known about the extent to which different kinds of eHealth tools are used, and how the use of eHealth is associated with the use of provider-based health care services among people with diabetes
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