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Internet technologies may help adolescents overcome barriers to diabetes management

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ADA 71st Scientific Sessions

SAN DIEGO — Using new technologies such as Skype can help adolescents with diabetes better manage their disease.

Young people with diabetes can be a difficult group to manage, as they may miss clinic visits and the face-to-face interaction that is effective in improvement the impact of diabetes. Michael A. Harris, PhD, director of psychology in the Child Development and Rehabilitation Center at Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, said his research has focused on a model to address the transition of diabetes from childhood to adolescence. Once he and colleagues tailored therapy to address issues pertaining to diabetes management in this age group, they were able to significantly impact health outcomes, he said.

Harris turned to technologies that adolescents would feel comfortable using. Because Skype, a popular, free program that allows people to communicate in person over the Internet via webcam, is popular in this age group, they decided to see the effect it would have on adolescent diabetes management. Although their study has not yet concluded, preliminary findings are promising, Harris said. They observed little difference in terms of canceled sessions between adolescents who were managed by health care providers via Skype and adolesents who visited clinics. Moreover, patients in rural areas who live long distances from clinics and hospitals have said that Skype is more convenient.

Nevertheless, Harris said using technologies like Skype presents unique challenges. For instance, setup can be an issue and Internet access in rural areas is unpredictable. In addition, background distractions, such as ringing telephones or people entering the room in which the patient is receiving counseling, may also be barriers to treatment. Harris also noted that some physicians are concerned that this method of telehealth violates HIPAA. He pointed out, however, that Skype video is not captured in any way and the program is encrypted.

Despite these difficulties, Harris remains optimistic about using Skype as a counseling for adolescents with diabetes.

“I want there to be a human element to what I do as a psychologist [with these children] … because, otherwise, the therapy loses its potency in terms of the connection we have with the family,” Harris said. – by Melissa Foster

For more information:

• Harris MA. Technology and behavior change across lifespan. Presented at: American Diabetes Association’s 71st Scientific Sessions; June 24-28, 2011; San Diego, Calif.

Disclosure: Dr. Harris reports no relevant financial disclosures.

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