Technology applications to improve health outcomes and self-management in patients with arthritis

摘要

Mobile technologies are proliferating rapidly in medicine and provide opportunities for patient education and behavior change interventions. Technology-based interventions have the potential to overcome barriers to adherence, are accessible and entertaining thereby increasing interest in participation. This article provides an overview of new technology-based educational and behavioral interventions used to manage arthritis symptoms and promote healthy behaviors such as online education and self-management programs, mobile applications, and virtual reality-based rehabilitation. We also highlight a new area for technology applications in arthritis, exergaming, based on evidence from other chronic illnesses. Given the limited controlled studies in this area, data will be summarized by topic area highlighting the effectiveness of various interventions, their challenges, opportunities and areas for future research.