Internet Based Patient Education In Nursing The advent of the internet has significantly transformed patient education in nursing, providing new platforms for delivering healthcare information and support. Internet-based patient education holds the potential to reach a broader audience, allowing patients to access tailored, interactive, and easily updated health information. However, there are ongoing concerns about the quality and accessibility of online content, such as readability and reliability.

Challenges of Online Health Information

One major challenge is the quality and readability of online health content. For example, the Health on the Net Foundation Code of Conduct (HON code) was introduced in 1996 to designate high-quality health information websites. However, a study found that the readability of 99 HON code-designated sites was at a 10th-grade level, which exceeds the average U.S. reading level of 8th grade. For populations such as Medicare and Medicaid recipients, who tend to read at a 5th-grade level, 87% of these websites would be too difficult to comprehend . This illustrates a persistent issue in the accessibility of patient education through the internet.

Despite these challenges, the internet offers significant opportunities for advancing patient education through interactive and integrated approaches. Several experimental programs have been developed to support patient education, illustrating how the internet can facilitate effective communication between healthcare providers and patients.

Examples of Internet-Based Patient Education

Here are four notable examples of how internet-based platforms are enhancing patient education:

1. Congestive Heart Failure Management: A study by Delgado et al. (2003) highlighted an interactive internet platform for managing patients with congestive heart failure. In this model, patients entered daily data such as weight, heart rate, and blood pressure, which was reviewed by a research nurse. Based on the data, the nurse could adjust the patient’s diuretic dosage and provide education on symptom management, ensuring close follow-up without the need for constant physical visits.
2. Diabetes Self-Management: The DiasNet computer model is an example of how technology can help patients manage type 1 diabetes. Patients input blood glucose levels, insulin doses, and food intake into the system, which then simulates blood glucose concentrations. The model suggests alternative insulin doses or dietary adjustments to help prevent hypo- or hyperglycemia. This interactive tool helps patients learn to adjust their insulin dosages based on their diet and activity levels .
3. Online Health Communities: Platforms like HealthBoards.com offer a space where individuals can communicate with others facing similar health conditions through over a hundred health-related message boards. These forums enable patients to share experiences, ask questions, and receive peer support in managing their conditions, creating a sense of community that can enhance education .
4. Remote Patient Monitoring: The use of internet platforms for remote monitoring of patient data, such as in heart failure or diabetes, enables real-time adjustments to treatment plans while educating patients on managing their conditions at home. This model has proven effective in reducing hospital readmissions, emergency room visits, and unscheduled physician visits.

System Indicators of the Delivery of Patient Education Services in Nursing

While the internet offers promising tools for patient education, the system-wide delivery of education services across healthcare settings remains inconsistent. There are several indicators that demonstrate both the success and gaps in delivering patient education:

Challenges in Delivering Patient Education in Hospitals

A survey of teaching hospitals with training programs in pulmonary and critical care medicine revealed that only 64% of hospitals had a formal asthma patient education program, despite national guidelines emphasizing the importance of patient education for asthma management . This gap between guidelines and practice shows that the healthcare system struggles to consistently implement education protocols, even in conditions where patient education is essential to preventing complications.

Furthermore, a study conducted between 1996 and 2001 found a decrease in patient education in emergency departments (EDs) for asthma management in Chicago. While some aspects of care improved, fewer patients were receiving written asthma action plans or instructions on what to do if they missed follow-up appointments. This lack of structured education may be partly due to overcrowding in EDs, which can limit the time available for patient instruction .

Lack of Widespread Access to Education Services

While there are numerous research studies that document the effectiveness of education interventions, such as diabetes and heart failure management, little is known about how widely available these services are across healthcare settings. Many patient education programs remain experimental and are not yet part of standard care delivery in hospitals or primary care settings. Without a system-wide approach, these education programs may remain inaccessible to the broader patient population, particularly in underserved communities.

New Areas of Need for Internet-Based Education

As the healthcare system continues to evolve, there are emerging areas where internet-based patient education can fill gaps in care and improve health outcomes. These include:

1. Chronic Disease Management: Chronic diseases, such as diabetes, COPD, and heart failure, require continuous self-management by patients. Internet-based tools can offer real-time support, personalized education, and remote monitoring, helping patients manage their conditions more effectively and reduce hospital admissions.
2. Mental Health and Wellness: Conditions such as bipolar disorder and chronic pain require ongoing education and support. Internet-based programs can provide patients with tools to recognize early symptoms, implement self-management strategies, and access peer support groups. These platforms can be especially beneficial for mental health conditions, where ongoing education can improve symptom management and prevent relapse.
3. Genetics and Personalized Medicine: With the growing importance of genetic testing in healthcare, patient education on genetics is becoming crucial. Internet-based tools can help educate patients about the implications of genetic testing, inheritance patterns, and risk factors for conditions such as cancer. However, cultural barriers and misconceptions about genetics need to be addressed to ensure effective education .

Conclusion

Internet-based patient education in nursing presents a wealth of opportunities to expand access to critical health information and support. Despite concerns about the quality and accessibility of online health information, new models of interactive patient education—such as remote monitoring, decision support tools, and online health communities—are showing promise in improving chronic disease management and patient outcomes. However, systemic challenges, such as the inconsistent availability of education services and barriers in reaching diverse populations, remain significant hurdles. By addressing these gaps and further integrating internet-based education into routine care, nursing can lead the way in delivering innovative, patient-centered education that empowers individuals to take control of their health.