Interactive Health Communication Applications (IHCAs) have a positive effect on users

Many computer-based packages provide patients with health information. But building into these packages the ability for people to communicate with others, to make more informed decisions and to support behaviour change, can enable them to be more knowledgeable, better supported socially and have an improved sense of health and well-being.


People with diseases that continue for many years need information about their illness and the various treatment options, as well as social support and help in making decisions and in changing patterns of behaviour. Computer packages are currently being designed that aim to help individuals feel better informed and consequently to be more in control of their lives.


This systematic review drew on the experience recorded in 24 different studies of IHCA systems that involved a total of 3739 participants. Initial studies indicate that where IHCAs have been used they have a positive effect on people's lives, including a positive effect on a person's belief in their capacity to carry out a specific task.


"Given the encouraging signs so far, we feel that there should be continued investment in IHCAs, but this needs to be coupled with rigorous evaluation of how well each system is working," says Elizabeth Murray, lead Cochrane Review Author, and a Health Career Scientist at the Department of Primary Care and Population Sciences, University College London.


"This systematic review updates a previously published version that contained errors. Producing this revision demonstrates once again that The Cochrane Collaboration is committed to accuracy, has effective real-time feedback systems, and responds swiftly to criticism," says Nick Royle, Chief Executive Officer of The Cochrane Collaboration.


Review title: Murray E et al. Interactive Health Communication Applications for people with chronic disease. The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2005, Issue 4.


John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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The Cochrane Library newsletter, 2005, Issue 4

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