Computer and internet use in vascular outpatients--ready for interactive applications?

Area of Science:

• Vascular Medicine
• Digital Health
• Health Informatics

Background:

• Understanding patient technology adoption is crucial for integrating online health applications in angiology.
• Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and chronic venous and/or lymphatic disease (CVLD) patients' digital habits require investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore computer and internet usage patterns among angiology outpatients.
• To assess patient expectations and attitudes towards interactive online healthcare applications.
• To identify potential for digital health interventions in vascular disease management.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study involving 165 outpatients with PAD (n=62) and CVLD (n=103).
• Data collection via paper-based questionnaires assessing computer and internet use, and interest in online health applications.

Main Results:

• High rates of computer (86.1%) and internet (81.2%) use were reported, with an average of 9.7 and 6.2 years of use, respectively.
• CVLD patients and internet users were younger and more educated, showing significant differences in technology adoption (p < 0.01).
• 41.2% searched for health information online; interest in interactive applications (42.8%), self-assessments (37.4%), and data access (50%) was notable, despite low confidence (3.3/6) and reliability (3.1/6) ratings.

Conclusions:

• The internet is a significant information source for PAD and CVLD patients.
• Interactive online tools offer substantial potential for disease (self-)management in angiology.
• Careful introduction and evaluation of online applications are essential to build patient confidence and ensure reliability.