The Application and Evaluation of eHealth Literacy (eHL) Concept

Improving Patients With Chronic Disease to Engage in the eHealth Care Environment: the Application and Evaluation of eHealth Literacy Concept

This study aims to explore the effectiveness of experience learning program of eHealth care to improve the chronic patients' eHL in engaging with the eHealth care system on the indicators on eHealth literacy, patient health engagement, e-Health usage status among Chronic disease patients included type 2 diabetes patients, Chronic kidney disease, and Cardiovascular Diseases.

Chronic diseases are irreversible that incurs considerable medical and economic costs. Even if the government and medical health care system make an effort to improve care and recommend e-health care, the incidence and prevalence rates of chronic diseases have not decreased but increased, and participants have even become the main cause of kidney disease. Technology and daily life has become more inseparable, which also led to the change of the traditional face to face health care model. The chronic disease care is gradually transitioning into the smart eHealth care era, patients are in need of learning how to face innovative ways of using care and resources. eHealth literacy (eHL)is the essential element that determines if patient can adapt to the rapidly changing health care system.

Due to the disciplinary integration of medical and technology, eHealth care provides continuous care for patients. But, it is still necessary to return to patient-centered care thinking and improving patients' knowledge and ability to use eHealth care technology. This can be applied to disease care, and implemented for daily self-health management. Therefore, this study explores the effects of intervention and the learning process and experience of patients through an experience learning program of eHealth care.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Diagnosed as a type 2 diabetes patients, Chronic kidney disease, and Cardiovascular Diseases more than three months.
• At least 20 years old, with clear consciousness and able to communicate in Mandarin or Taiwanese.
• Possess a mobile phone or tablet with internet capabilities.
• Consent to participate in this research and be willing to sign a consent form.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Suffering from serious diseases, such as: general paralysis, mental disorders, cognitive function abnormalities, etc.
• Those who cannot communicate in Mandarin or Taiwanese.
• Those who refuse to participate in this research.