A role for patients: the argument for self-care.

CONTEXT

This article discusses the role of patients and self-care enabled through the use of technology. Patients have shown interest in healthcare tools that are artfully designed and based on their wants and personal habits. The expectation is that, as these tools evolve, patients will find sufficient motivation and capability to join with their providers to co-manage their health.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

Review of research published between 2001 and 2012 was conducted in 2011. The areas where research still needs to be conducted include our gaps in understanding about the relationship between self-care and engagement with technology (that might facilitate self-care), and the issues that determine why and when consumers engage with technology.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

Evidence increasingly suggests that patient engagement in self-care, particularly with respect to coping with chronic disease, can improve medical outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

Technology platforms are important to patient self-care. But a more-important need is to change workflows/incentive structures to support long-term behavioral change.