Why Are Health Care Interventions Delivered Over the Internet?
Author Information
Author(s): Frances Griffiths, Antje Lindenmeyer, John Powell, Pam Lowe, Margaret Thorogood
Primary Institution: Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick
Hypothesis
The objective was to review the reasons why health interventions have been delivered on the Internet.
Conclusion
Internet delivery can overcome isolation but may not replace face-to-face contact, and future evaluations should consider both costs and effectiveness compared to traditional methods.
Supporting Evidence
- Internet delivery can reduce costs and increase convenience for users.
- It helps reach isolated or stigmatized groups.
- Timely access to information is a significant advantage of Internet delivery.
- User control over interventions is enhanced through online delivery.
- Future evaluations should compare Internet delivery with traditional methods.
Takeaway
This study looks at why health care is increasingly provided online, showing that it can help people who feel alone or embarrassed about their health issues.
Methodology
A qualitative systematic review of peer-reviewed evaluations of health interventions delivered to known client/patient groups using networked features of the Internet.
Limitations
Not all studies mentioned reasons for using the Internet, and the review did not include outcomes of the interventions.
Participant Demographics
The studies included participants from Europe, North America, and Australia, targeting various health conditions.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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