Abstract

MOLINA-DE SALAZAR, Dora I et al. Information and communication technologies as an educational tool in patients with non communicable chronic diseases in an outpatient health institution of Manizales. Medicas UIS [online]. 2016, vol.29, n.2, pp.59-70. ISSN 0121-0319.  https://doi.org/10.18273/revmed.v29n2-2016006.

Introduction: chronic noncommunicable diseases cause high morbidity and mortality worldwide so it requires innovative strategies that impact on self-care, adoption of healthy lifestyles and the diseases treatment. Nowadays, the information and communication technologies compose a resource in order to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the patient's programs with chronic diseases, overcome structural limitations and the availability of human resources in the health system. Objective: to evaluate the impact of the information and communication technologies to promote healthy lifestyles and adherence to medication, to know the perception of users about the usefulness of the intervention and also their effect on clinical variables. Methods: longitudinal study, in which 90 patients outpatient health institution in Manizales were included to receive text messages, was made. There were chosen over-age-18 men and women, with arterial hypertension diagnosis or diabetes mellitus who owned a cell phone or were with a near carer assistant who would accept receiving text massages in its own mobile. The massages were about their healthy lifestyle, and these were sent between august and december during 29 weeks. 68 subject completed the follow up. At the end of the intervention, acceptance, usefulness and effects on laboratory and clinical parameters were evaluated. Results: it was found that 100% of the patients who confirmed receiving the messages perceived an improvement in self care; showing changes in diet (95.16%) and the amelioration of medication adherence (59%). Besides, the service utility was qualified as excellent. Conclusions: the patient's perceptions about the use of the information and communication technologies was positive and it could generates changes in areas such as alimentary habits and medication adherence, in promoting healthy lifestyles and management of chronic noncommunicable diseases. However, it requires controlled studies using a standardized long-term monitoring to determine the actual impact on clinical variables and cost-effective. In addition, it should identify the type of population would get greater benefit. MÉD.UIS. 2016;29(2):59-70.

Keywords : Diabetes Mellitus; Hypertension; Primary prevention; Text Messaging; Cell Phones; Education; Technology.

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