OBJECTIVE—To test Web-based care management of glycemic control using a shared electronic medical record with patients who have type 2 diabetes. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—We conducted a trial of 83 adults with type 2 diabetes randomized to receive usual care plus Web-based care management or usual care alone between August 2002 and May 2004. All patients had GHb ≥7.0%, had Web access from home, and could use a computer with English language–based programs. Intervention patients received 12 months of Web-based care management. The Web-based program included patient access to electronic medical records, secure e-mail with providers, feedback on blood glucose readings, an educational Web site, and an interactive online diary for entering information about exercise, diet, and medication. The primary outcome was change in GHb. RESULTS—GHb levels declined by 0.7% (95% CI 0.2−1.3) on average among intervention patients compared with usual-care patients. Systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, total cholesterol levels, and use of in-person health care services did not differ between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS—Care management delivered through secure patient Web communications improved glycemic control in type 2 diabetes.

Objective To describe the experiences of patients with type 2 diabetes in a web based disease management programme based on an interactive electronic medical record. Design Qualitative analysis of semistructured interviews with patients enrolled in a diabetes care module that included access to their electronic medical record, secure email, ability to upload blood glucose readings, an education site with endorsed content, and an interactive online diary for entering exercise, diet, and medication. Setting Patients' homes in Washington state, United States. Participants Nine participants aged 45-65 completed interviews before and after they used the programme. Results Six themes emerged: feeling that non-acute concerns are uniquely valued; enhanced sense of security about health and health care; frustration with unmet expectations; feeling more able to manage; valuing feedback; and difficulty fitting the programme into activities of daily life. Three themes-valuing non-acute concerns, feeling secure, and unmet expectations-have particular relevance to the design and use of web based tools for care of patients with diabetes and chronic medical conditions. Conclusion Participants' experiences support further study of open access to the electronic medical record and online communication between patients and their care providers. The development of web based disease management programmes should take into account the specific needs and expectations of patients, and patients and providers should have candid discussions about what web based care can and cannot provide.

Mobile communication technologies showed promise within a web-based collaborative care program for type 2 diabetes. Future intervention design should focus on integrating easy-to-use applications within mobile technologies already familiar to patients and ensure the system allows for sufficient collaboration with a care provider.

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