Web- and internet-based services: Education, support, self-care, and formal treatment approaches

Abstract

Web- and Internet-based resources are remarkably popular with the public, patients, and providers’ interventions over the last decade. Opportunities exist for health information, support groups, formal education programs, tools for self-directed lifestyle and illness management, obtaining advice/consultation, and self- or provider-directed treatments (e.g., cognitive behavioral therapy or e-mental healthcare). Traditional treatments are more easily disseminated to the point-of-service. Modification of regular treatments is being developed, based on smartphone applications and applying virtual reality/avatars from games into medicine. Innovative new treatments for special populations are made possible, and hybrid models of care may be our future. Access to information, providers, that can be adjusted to patient needs and comfort, with or without clinician supervision, which creates a completely new world of opportunities. These steps empower patients to initiate, participate, and steer their care. Clinicians have to become aware of, adapt, and serve new advisory roles to patients, as we are all challenged to make the best healthcare more accessible.