Brave New Worlds: How Virtual Environments Can Augment Traditional Care in the Management of Diabetes

July 2008  | Watson AJ, Grant RG, Bello H, Hoch D


J Diabetes Sci Technol 2008;2(4):697-702.

Abstract:
New technologies, such as online networking tools, offer innovative ways to engage patients in their diabetes care. Second Life (SL) is one such virtual world that allows patients to interact in a 3D environment with peers and healthcare providers. This article presents a framework that demonstrates how applications within SL can be constructed to meet the needs of patients with diabetes, allowing them to attend group visits, learn more about lifestyle changes, and foster a sense of support and emotional well-being. This experiential approach to education may prove more engaging, and therefore successful, than existing strategies. Addressing concerns relating to privacy and liability is a necessary first step to engage providers in this new approach to patient care.

 

Research Materials & External Resources

Mobile Phone Technology for Children with Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes: A Parent Survey
November 2009 | Venessa Peña, Alice J. Watson, Joseph C. Kvedar, Richard W. GrantDiabetes Connected Health: A Pilot Study of a Patient- and Provider-Shared Glucose Monitoring Web Application
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October 2008 | Kevin D. BlanchetBrave New Worlds: How Virtual Environments Can Augment Traditional Care in the Management of Diabetes
July 2008 | Watson AJ, Grant RG, Bello H, Hoch DReevaluating the Digital Divide: Current Lack of Internet Use Is Not a Barrier to Adoption of Novel Health Information Technology
March 2008 | Watson AJ, Bell AG, Kvedar JC, Grant RWConnected Health: A New Framework for Evaluation of Communication Technology Use in Care Improvement Strategies for Type 2 Diabetes
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Jan/Feb 2006 | Shea S, Weinstock RS, Starren J, Teresi J, Palmas W, Field L, Morin P, Goland R, Izquierdo RE, Wolff LT, Ashraf M, Hilliman C, Silver S, Meyer S, Holmes D, Petkova E, Capps L, Lantigua RAWeb-based care management in patients with poorly controlled diabetes
July 2005 | McMahon GT, Gomes HE, Hickson Hohne S, Hu TM, Levine BA, Conlin PR.
 
 

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