References

Anderson, D.R., Christison-Lagay, J., [], & Dziura, J. (2010). Managing the space between visits: A randomized trial of disease management for diabetes in a community health center. Journal of General Internal Medicine, 25(10), 1116-1122. Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/ PMC2955486/ Billings Clinic. (n.d.). Diabetes telehealth program. Retrieved from http://www.billingsclinic.com/body.cfm?id= 922 Davis, R.M., Hitch, A.D., [], & Mayer-Davis, E.J. (2010). Telehealth improves diabetes selfmanagement in an underserved community. Diabetes Care, 33(8), 1712-1717. Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/ PMC2909047/ Holmstrom, I. (2010). Diabetes telehealth and computerized decision support systems: A sound system with a human touch is needed. Journal of Diabetes Science and Technology, 4(4), 1012-1015. Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/ PMC2909537/ Klonoff, D. C. (2009). Using telemedicine to improve outcomes in diabetesan emerging technology. Journal of Diabetes Science and Technology, 3(4), 624-628. Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/ PMC2769943/

Frequently Asked Questions

May a family member or friend attend a telehealth session with me? Yes! The support of family and friends is welcomed. How is my privacy protected? All telehealth sessions must follow the guidelines of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. May I still meet with my providers in person? Yes! While telehealth can be a cost and time savings, if you so choose you may meet your providers during a face-to-face appointment in their office. Is it necessary to have a computer in my home? No, telehealth sessions can be done over the telephone. However, having a computer available provides another avenue of contact for you with your provider.

DIABETES & TELEHEALTH

Improving Outcomes from a Distance

Compiled by Ben Barbot, BSN, RN

Telehealth and Diabetes

The use of technology in the treatment of diabetes give you, the patient, additional tools for the treatment and management of diabetes. These range from monitoring your condition to education to provider access. Access can be accomplished through the use of: Telehealth is the use of telecommunication technology in health care and the management of disease. It provides access to specialists and specialized care when it is not locally available or is inaccessible. Telephone Video-conferencing Internet Media such as MP3, epub and other digital file types Remote monitoring of hardware and software systems by qualified personnel

What is Telehealth?

The Key is You

The decision to utilize telehealth to manage your diabetes must be made by you in conjunction with your healthcare provider. Your determination to participate on a consistent basis will be critical to success. Depending on your individual needs and resources, the types of telehealth intervention or tools for you can be determined. You can use internet accessible educational materials to enhance self-management. You can participate in weekly telephone conferences with a dietician or diabetic educator. You can enter your blood glucose levels and other data for remote monitoring by the appropriate providers. YOU are the key to the successful management of your diabetes!

Benefits in the Management of Diabetes

Patients can actively participate in remote and self-management of diabetes through educational resources and patient gathered information regarding physiological condition, blood glucose levels, blood pressure, dietary intake and more. This data should be entered into a monitored system regularly, on more than a daily basis. With this information, trends can be identified, care can be scheduled or immediate intervention can be arranged. The human touch will be augmented by technology - all with the goal of improving health outcomes.

Benefits of Telehealth
Access to out of town health care providers and services from your community, home and family Reduces travel time and costs Provides access to wellness and prevention education Facilitates case management of chronic conditions such as diabetes Allows access to different providers and the effective coordination of your health care