Self management by patients who can’t manage themselves?

This presentation will share first qualitative experiences in using the internet to support patients with Alzheimer and Schizophrenia, including members of their social network and healthcare professionals, through an integrated web-based collaborative health management application. These experiences are based on two projects which are currently ongoing in The Netherlands, one of which is focused on patients with Alzheimer’s and one on patients with Schizophrenia. An important aspect is the integration of social networking tools which enable patients to invite trusted relations to participate and collaborate in the management of their health. Conclusions: Early indications are that even for patients in these categories opportunities exist to improve health management through personalized web-based tools. Extensive design research together with targeted users is important to ensure acceptance. Motivation, training and support of professionals who are involved in caring for these patients as well as integration with their electronic medical record is probably as important for the success of the system as the motivation and support of the patients themselves.