Empowering Elders Through Technology

Telehomecare is a technology that individuals use in their homes to communicate with health providers electronically. This technology can help them function at a higher level and avoid undesirable hospitalizations by making changes in their everyday behaviors, but research is needed to understand how telehomecare supports health behavior change and leads to improved health status. The hypothesis being tested is that the use of an electronic method of monitoring and transmitting health information facilitates patient empowerment, with subsequent effects on the patient's ability to manage her/his treatment regimen more effectively. The study will explore the relationship between telehomecare and acquisition of knowledge, and will show whether changes in knowledge levels translate to changes in behaviors and improved health outcomes. The effects of two different telehomecare systems (nurse-directed vs. patient-directed) on knowledge, self-management, and health status will be compared. A further goal is to illuminate the attitudes of physicians regarding the use of telehomecare in the treatment of their elderly, community dwelling patients. Results will inform managers and policymakers who are responsible for integrating eHealth mechanisms into chronic disease protocols, funding health care programs, and creating policies that support the use of information technology by all Americans.