The promise of telecommunication tools to 'reach' the disengaged patient with diabetes.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE OF REVIEW To discuss recent research on the use of telecommunication technologies to improve care for disengaged patients with diabetes. RECENT FINDINGS: It is established that patients who are disengaged with their healthcare have worse health outcomes. Reasons for disengagement vary but could be because of difficulties accessing or affording care or not possessing the skills or tools required to manage their disease. New patient-facing technologies are being used to improve communication and coordination of care for patients with diabetes. Early results show improvements in health outcomes. Utilizing these technologies to reach patient groups susceptible for disengagement has begun to demonstrate improvement. SUMMARY: Research over the past year has continued to demonstrate the promise of using telecommunication tools to assist patients in the management of diabetes. Although a few studies looked specifically at disengaged patients, efforts to utilize appropriate technological interventions targeting specific groups of patients are needed.