Managing chronic disease--patients' views and attitudes to using a broadband based service

The uptake of chronic disease management initiatives among general practitioners remains low. cdmNet is a broadband based service used to assist registered care providers in developing GP management plans, team care arrangements, reviews and home medicines review for patients with a chronic disease. This study examined patients' views and attitudes of managing chronic disease using cdmNet.

Cross-sectional survey consisting of an anonymous questionnaire was completed by patients whose chronic diseases were managed using the broadband based service.

Significant correlation was found between GPs' use of this broadband based service, and patients' perception that using a broadband based service will improve their control of chronic disease (p<0.001). Patients who felt confident their personal information would be kept private were also significantly more likely to recommend cdmNet (p<0.001).

Patients who feel that technology may contribute to improving the management of their chronic disease and have an understanding of privacy are more likely to have positive views and attitudes toward using a broadband based service.