Making a Difference With Interactive Technology: Considerations in Using and Evaluating Computerized Aids for Diabetes Self-Management Education

Abstract

This article provides a discussion of the strengths and limitations of interactive technologies (e.g., Internet, CD-ROM) as supplements to and extensions of diabetes self-management education. Examples are provided, and the RE-AIM framework is used to consider how different interactive technologies have been used to enhance the Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance of interventions. Appropriate use of these technologies (e.g., computer administration, scoring, and feedback on assessment instruments; modeling optional coping strategies) should help diabetes educators reach and support more people in a more tailored manner and should free up educators’ time to focus on the creative problem identification and problem-solving that humans do best.