Ehealth: Second Life Impacts Diabetes Education & Self-Management

Ehealth: Second Life Impacts Diabetes Education & Self-Management

The purpose of this study is to to develop and evaluate the feasibility, usability, and effect of participation in SLIDES (a virtual diabetes community in Second Life) for providing interactive diabetes education, support, and resources.

Inclusion Criteria:

• current Duke Endocrinology patient
• are between 21 and 75 years old
• are able to speak and read English
• are computer literate (have used a computer for at least 6 months)
• understand how to use the Internet (have accessed the Internet on at least 6 occasions)
• have access to a computer with a non-dial-up Internet connection in a private location (home)
• are mentally capable of informed consent
• are reachable by telephone
• have no pre-existing medical condition(s) or severe diabetes related complications that would interfere with study participation (i.e., physical activity) or measures (e.g., renal failure, Stage III hypertension, severe orthopedic conditions or joint replacement scheduled within 6 months, paralysis, bleeding disorders, cancer, or receipt of pharmacologic doses of anti-coagulant medications [warfarin])
• are able to travel to Duke University Medical Center (DUMC) for follow-up appointments.

Exclusion Criteria:

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