Utilizing eHealth and Telemedicine Technologies to Enhance Access and Quality of Consultations: It's Not What You Say, It's the Way You Say It.

Abstract

Therapeutic inertia and suboptimal adherence to therapy have been cited as key contributors to poor diabetes outcomes. Although many of the factors associated with therapeutic inertia and adherence are often beyond the control of both patients and health care providers, most factors can be addressed through improved patient-provider communications.Use of telemedicine and electronic health (eHealth) technologies has the potential to address these factors, and thus, improve management of diabetes, increase access to care, and diminish inequalities in providing health care services. This article examines the behavioral aspects of the eHealth and telemedicine technologies, discusses how patient-centered care can be delivered effectively using eHealth and telemedicine, and reviews a novel model of care, KALMOD, which addresses a range of factors that are critical to improving patient-provider communications and collaborations.