Impact of information and communication technology on interprofessional collaboration for chronic disease management: a systematic review

Abstract

Objectives Information and communication technology is often lauded as the key to enhancing communication among health care providers. However, its impact on interprofessional collaboration is unclear. The objective of this study was to determine the extent to which it improves communication and, subsequently, enhances interprofessional collaboration in chronic disease management. Methods A systematic review of academic literature using two electronic platforms: HealthSTAR and Web of Science (core collection and MEDLINE). To be eligible for inclusion in the review, articles needed to be peer-reviewed; accessible in English and focused on how technology supports, or might support, collaboration (through enhanced communication) in chronic disease management. Studies were assessed for quality and a narrative synthesis conducted. Results The searches identified 289 articles of which six were included in the final analysis (three used qualitative methods, two were descriptive and one used mixed methods). Various forms of information and communication technology were described including electronic health records, online communities/learning resources and telehealth/telecare. Three themes emerged from the studies that may provide insights into how communication that facilitates collaboration in chronic disease management might be enhanced: professional conflict, collective engagement and continuous learning. Conclusions The success of technology in enhancing collaboration for chronic disease management depends upon supporting the social relationships and organization in which the technology will be placed. Decision-makers should take into account and work toward balancing the impact of technology together with the professional and cultural characteristics of health care teams.

The Perceived Ease of Use and Usefulness of Loop: Evaluation and Content Analysis of a Web-Based Clinical Collaboration System

“…Indeed, TAM has been critiqued for not considering the impact of external factors, such as user workflow, organizational characteristics, and social context, on users’ acceptance of technologies [ 54 , 78 , 79 ]. Financial compensation structures, lack of empirical evidence about a system’s usefulness, personal characteristics such as computer experience [ 78 , 79 ], professional conflict [ 25 ], and power dynamics [ 80 ] are other examples of external factors that act as barriers to system adoption. An updated version of TAM, the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology, includes the variable Facilitating Conditions , which acknowledges the influence of perceived organization and technology infrastructure on uptake [ 55 ].…”

“…Technologies such as mobile texting, email, and messaging systems have been found to positively impact communication between HCPs [ 22 ] and may be effective in facilitating coordination of patient care [ 2 , 23 , 24 ]. Other health information technology (HIT) such as shared electronic health records (EHRs), personal health records, Web-based communities and learning resources, and telehealth also show potential for improving patient care [ 25 , 26 ]. Reviews suggest that improved access to information via HITs can foster patient engagement and empowerment by improving their health information competence, informed decision making, communication with HCPs, and control over their care experiences [ 4 , 25 - 33 ].…”

“…Other health information technology (HIT) such as shared electronic health records (EHRs), personal health records, Web-based communities and learning resources, and telehealth also show potential for improving patient care [ 25 , 26 ]. Reviews suggest that improved access to information via HITs can foster patient engagement and empowerment by improving their health information competence, informed decision making, communication with HCPs, and control over their care experiences [ 4 , 25 - 33 ]. Furthermore, providers may better understand their patients’ needs [ 34 ].…”

Strategies for Integrating Technology as a Team Member

“…In some cases, the technology will enable patient care teams to better collaborate, such as by documenting and sharing changing patient goals and rationales for decisions made [20]. In these cases, the technology should be built alongside teams rather than forced upon them [21]. When relying on already existing technologies, clinicians and patient care teams should acquire training when necessary and understand options for troubleshooting.…”

Au-delà de l’évaluation des bénéfices : réflexion sur les conséquences inattendues de la télésanté

“…gestion des maladies chroniques), diminution du temps d’attente, réduction de la durée de séjour à l’hôpital et aux urgences, une meilleure collaboration interprofessionnelle et interorganisationnelle (ex. réseaux), une diminution de l’isolement professionnel et la baisse des coûts, notamment par l’évitement des transferts des patients et des déplacements des professionnels de santé [2] , [3] , [4] , [5] , [6] . Elle s’avère incontournable dans les choix de politiques publiques de santé, comme en témoigne le contexte de la pandémie de la COVID-19 [7] , [8] .…”