Self-management interventions in the digital age: new approaches to support people with rheumatologic conditions

Self-management interventions are considered a key component of rheumatologic care. Access to these programmes, however, is an issue for some patients, especially those working full time or living in rural and remote communities. Recently, there has been an increase in the use of digital media technologies to deliver self-management interventions. Digital media (e.g., websites, mobile applications, social networking tools, online games and animation) provide tremendous flexibility for delivering health information and resources at a time and place that is chosen by the individual; hence, they are consistent with the patient-centred approach. This review discusses: (1) innovations in self-management interventions for patients with arthritis and (2) research in the use of digital media for delivering self-management interventions.