mHealth is seen as the next stage of developing applications for information and communication technologies in the area of health care. This paper presents the evolution of mHealth systems and the results of the latest analyses of the effectiveness of mHealth interventions. Intensive mHealth development results from the near universal access to mobile devices, primarily smartphones, and devices that use sensory technologies. The great interest in mobile applications is reflected in the offer of online stores, which already provide many thousands of programs that can be installed on a mobile phone. Of the many possible mHealth applications, those supporting chronic diseases care and health promotion activities are regarded as the most promising. The growing interest in the area of mHealth is proven by the large number of publications that present syntheses of the available evidence. Although studies aimed at assessing the usefulness and effectiveness of health applications quite often raise doubts about the methodological quality, the significance of the analyses is positive. However, problems in maintaining the involvement of health users in mHealth solutions may be a cause for concern.
Background. The Internet is commonly used for health-related purposes. For many patients, it is one of the most important sources of health information. Ability to use Internet resources is associated with the increasing role of active patient participation in the process of treatment and care. Correct identification, understanding and assessment of health-related information available on the internet may have an impact on patients' health and the quality of their interactions with healthcare professionals.Objectives. The objective of this study was an assessment of the use of the Internet to search for health information by patients with bronchial asthma (BA) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).Material and methods. The study was performed using a diagnostic survey based on a questionnaire addressing the burden of chronic disease, the use of information and communication technology (ICT), the use of the Internet for health purposes, and the assessment of the implementation of e-health services. Questionnaires were sent via post office to 1000 participants of training courses organized by the Kraków chapter of the Polish Society for Fighting Allergic Diseases.Results. A total of 95 respondents sent back completed questionnaires. An analysis was performed only on the data obtained from the questionnaires of respondents who suffered from BA or COPD. Computer use was declared by 82. 1% and use of the Internet by 90.6% of the participants. Age influenced the use of the computer (p = 0.009) and unaided use of the Internet (p = 0.017). For 50.9% of respondents, the Internet was one of the main sources of health information. The average level of e-health literacy (the eHealth Literacy Scale -eHEALS) was 28.74 ±6. 17.
Conclusions.The Internet is one of the major sources of health information for patients with chronic respiratory diseases.
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