Trial of an Internet-based Platform for Managing Chronic Diseases at a Distance

In 2005, more then one-third of Canadians were burdened with one or more chronic diseases. Patients with one chronic disease often have, or are at risk for, another chronic disease. This group of complex patients represents a substantial challenge to healthcare resources. For patients in rural communities, the opportunity to attend ambulatory care clinics is not always an option. Additionally, the opportunity for rural patients to receive quality care close to, or within their homes, is of great benefit as it reduces the need for extensive travel and the potential burden of clinical visits. The use of telehealth has been identified as an effective modality for chronic disease management and is actively promoted by national organizations as having great promise for health service delivery in rural areas. The Internet as a mode for healthcare delivery has numerous advantages: 1. it is ubiquitous with increasing access in all age groups, 2. it is inexpensive, 3. it facilitates both patient data transfer and patient feedback, thereby supporting patient self-management, 4. it is scalable to large patient volumes, 5. it delivers health care directly to the patient and 6. it requires minimal set-up for patients with current Internet access.

The investigators propose to develop and evaluate a multi-chronic disease management program delivered through the Internet (with telephone supports) focused on high-impact chronic diseases targeted to patients in rural communities.

This study will consist of a single-blinded randomized controlled trial to investigate the efficacy of the iCDM in 318 patients with two or more of the target chronic diseases living in rural areas. Within this Aim, the investigators will be able to address the following research questions:

Q1. What is the effect of iCDM on healthcare utilization and patient self-management outcomes? Q2. What is the long-term compliance to the iCDM? Q3. What is the level of patient and provider satisfaction?

A study population of men and women over 19 years will be identified through nurse practitioners, primary care networks, and other practicing primary care physicians located within the Northern Health, Fraser Health, Interior Health, Vancouver Island Health and Vancouver Coastal Health Authorities. Patients will be eligible if they have two or more of the five targeted chronic diseases; daily Internet access (home, work or other environment) by and means; and able to read, write and understand English without difficulty. A total of 318 patients (159 per group) will be recruited and randomized to either usual care, or a 24-month interactive chronic disease management program delivered via the Internet.

Usual Care Group Patients randomized to usual care will be given educational information regarding general chronic disease management and a list of Internet-based resources, and will return to the care of their primary care physician. Patients will be contacted after 24 months for an outcome assessment. There will be no contact between the study personnel and usual care patients for the duration of the study, nor will there be any attempt to control the level of patient care.

iCDM Experimental Group The iCDM is a 24-month interactive website that has been designed for patients with two or more of the following chronic diseases: ischemic heart disease, heart failure, diabetes, chronic kidney disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The iCDM is managed by a nurse with experience in chronic disease management who will review patient data, communicate with patients, implement treatment and interact with the patients' primary care physician. Patients will also be able to interact with a dietician and exercise specialist to support their disease management.

The main premise of the iCDM is that users will log-on on a regular basis and enter data related to how they are feeling and some physical measures (such as body weight, blood sugar, blood pressure, as relevant). Based on answers to these questions, the website may show a message either saying everything is fine or give a warning, informing the patient of their answers and that a nurse will be contacting them on the next business day. If the nurse receives an alert in his/her email inbox, he/she will telephone the patient within approximately 24 hours to discuss the entered data. The nurse may also direct the patient to discuss with the dietician or exercise specialist, or tell them that it is probably best for them to visit their physician for their symptoms.

Patients will have access to the iCDM for a 24 month period. Their family physician will receive a letter indicating their participation in the program and the conditions under which they may be contacted. At 24 months patients will be contacted for an outcome assessment.

Eligibility Criteria:
Inclusion Criteria:

* two or more of the following chronic diseases; heart disease, heart failure, chronic kidney disease, diabetes and COPD
* daily Internet access
* able to read, write and understand English

Exclusion Criteria:

* patients with significant co-morbidities that may interfere with effective management
* patients who have scheduled surgical procedures
* patients who are unable to provide informed consent