A review of web-based chronic disease self-management for older adults

OBJECTIVE: To examine the current evidence related to the efficacy of web-based chronic disease self-management interventions (web-based SM) for older populations. METHODS: A search of experimental and quasi-experimental publications related to older adults and web-based SM was conducted. The search identified 12 articles representing 10 distinct studies that were used for review and critique. RESULTS: Articles most frequently investigated web-based SM targeting diabetes and heart disease. Interventions incorporated a variety of technologies including visual-charting, instant messenger, among others. Overall the web-based SM for older adults resulted in positive effects for most outcomes, including: healthcare utilization, depression, loneliness, social support, quality of life, self-efficacy, anxiety, disease specific outcomes, functioning levels, diet, exercise, and health status. DISCUSSION: While these studies suggest that web-based SM may be effective in producing positive health outcomes for older adults, more research is needed to focus on the efficacy and appropriateness of such interventions for older adults.