The Internet can be used to effectively deliver health education programs by offering the user the right information at the right time, regardless of geographic location. The Arthritis Foundation has developed an Internet-based, interactive self-management program for people with arthritis, musculoskeletal or related conditions called Connect and Control: Your Online Arthritis Action Guide. The objective of the program is to provide personalized information on demand about how to deal with these problems and the consequences. Based on the Transtheoretical Model, Health Belief Model, and Self-Efficacy Theory, this program was designed to encourage behavior change and promote positive health outcomes and quality of life. The program provides information in seven content modules: living well, pain management, exercise, nutrition, treatment, stress/depression, and support/healthcare providers. The current study evaluated this program as a tool in the self-management of arthritis, and included pre-/post- assessments from a convenience sample of approximately 220 people (100 participants, 60 partial participants, and 60 non-participants). In addition to program satisfaction, the evaluation assessed the effects of the program on self-efficacy, quality of life, and self-management behaviors. This presentation will describe the development and implementation of the program in addition to the efficacy of the program in the self-management of arthritis. We will also describe the benefits and barriers of using the Internet to provide tailored health education interventions, with a focus on implications for future research. See www.arthritis.org
Learning Objectives: At the end of this presentation, the learner will be able to: 1)describe the theoretical foundation of the Connect and Control program, 2) describe the content and features of this interactive tailored self-management program, and 3)describe the benefits and outcomes of the Connect and Control program.
Keywords: Internet, Arthritis
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Arthritis Foundation
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.