Evaluation of an Internet-Based Application for Supporting Self-Care of Patients with Diabetes Mellitus Type 2

The introduction of the Internet into medical practice as an information-sharing and communication medium has brought about many opportunities for the management of chronic care. Research has shown that teleconsultation for example is a practical, cost-effective, and reliable way of delivering a worthwhile health care service to diabetics. As a result, Internet-based applications are being developed to support patients in self-managing their diabetes by giving them the opportunity to e-mail with their caregiver, to monitor their health, and to enhance self-care by means of online education. The aim of this study was to assess the value of the Internet for supporting self-care of patients with diabetes type 2. We investigated user motivations and experiences with the Internet-based application. We focused on implementation, user-friendliness, and the process of care delivery via the application. A mixed-method design with usability tests, interviews, log-files, and a survey was used to gather data.