Sixth International Conference on Communication & Media Studies

Abstract

Embracing digital communication and eHealth or mhealth interventions is fundamental in managing the devastating effects that are associated with chronic health conditions. eHealth and mHealth applications through which patients can afford mechanisms of reporting the state of their illnesses or symptoms and learning more about their conditions have shown positive impact in not only the healthcare provider-patient communication but also the improved care, health and clinical outcomes. This forms one of the health literacy channels of promoting positive health behaviour, appropriate decision making on use of health services, and informed uptake of more acceptable healthcare interventions for enhanced health outcomes for people with chronic conditions. The systematic review summarizes evidence from a wide variety of empirical studies regarding 1) the different forms of eHealth and mHealth interventions which are employed in promoting health literacy on chronic conditions, 2) the role of eHealth and mHealth information in enhancing literacy on chronic illnesses and 3) the challenges of integrating and/or implementing chronic illness eHealth literacy campaigns in the universal health care programs. A search of 6 databases MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, PsycINFO, Cochrane Central and CINAHL singled out studies which reported evidence-based outcomes of either eHealth or mHealth health literacy interventions for management of chronic illnesses. The paper concludes that successful rollout of eHealth programs for patients with chronic illnesses ought to integrate the socio-cultural aspects of the patient while at the same time having a component for training the healthcare provider on eHealth.