Page 568 - Encyclopedia of Nursing Research

VIRTUAL NURSE CARING n 535

6 million people log on to health sites (PEW of information, patient confidentiality, and
Foundation, 2003). The few Internet interac- the site’s technical reliability (Smith et al.,
tive programs tested in inner city/rural and 2002). V
low socioeconomic status groups, includ- Smith’s Web sites incorporates “user-
ing our studies, found patient outcomes friendly” designs with information as easy to
improved (Locsin, 2005; Smith, 2007a, 2007b). find as it would be in a newspaper (Brennan
Thus, the Internet can overcome problems et al., 2001). There are common graphics,
of disparity, distance, and health care access simple written instructions, defined medi-
(Fox, 2005; Glasgow et al., 2006). cal terms, and automatic information links.
There are historical examples of pio- For example, users do not have to know the
neering Internet nursing care. Such Web medical term “hyperglycemia” to find infor-
sites have paved the way for contemporary mation on high blood sugar. Training for
practice (Brennan, 1998; Brennan, Anthony, patient/caregivers on their home computer
Jones, & Kahana, 1998; Brennan, Moore, & includes the illustrated and practice session
Smyth, 1992; Piamjariyakul, Schiefelbein, & that was successfully used by the older adults
Smith, 2006). Notably, Smith’s Web sites pro- in Smith’s Internet trial (dauz, Moore, Smith,
vide specific information for the illness being Puno, & Schaag, 2004).
addressed on the site (Smith, 2011; ybarra & Content themes from evaluation of
Bull, 2007). All content is based on the crite- Smith’s Web sites studies were that “the
ria of providing specific evidence that has Internet fixed the need for detailed infor-
been reviewed by health experts to ensure mation on homecare,” the Web site helped
educative quality and clinical accuracy, and with “depressed moods,” and “overcom-
nursing interventions with everyday appli- ing home care related family disruptions.”
cation shown in simple logic tested for ease Furthermore, it was found that the algo-
of use (Smith, 2007a). Each site answers com- rithms guided problem solving. Lastly, (the
mon questions provides decision-making Web sites) “let us know we are not alone.”
guides and online health assessments using Unlike read-only Web sites, Smith’s nursing
an interactive game format—all with imme- Web sites contain unique nursing interven-
diate feedback (Brennan & Aronson, 2003; tions that engage the patient and caregiver in
Wilson, 2007). applying the information in their everyday
Web site formats should all incorpo- management of health or illness (Gustafson
rate the National Institutes of Health Web et al., 2008). Thus, several studies found
Literacy and National disabilities Act stan- that following the use of nurse-developed
dards, including text in large font, simple Internet interventions, nurse caring was
graphics, and easy-to-locate straightforward readily conveyed after the use of the Web
navigation symbols as well as being compat- sites (Smith, 2011).
ible with public library Internet connections New research includes one study of
and basic home personal computers (yadrich photographs and video recordings of surgi-
& Smith, 2008). Also, these Web sites use cal incisions and wounds sent from patients’
geragogy education principles so that infor- mobile phones (Martinez-Ramos, Cerdan, &
mation is given in large font type and sim- Lopez, 2009). other visuals (x-ray, EKGs) are
ple illustrations with repetition and multiple being sent directly to Md’s computer screens
examples (Smith, 2007b). Smith’s Web site has for evaluation and reporting to patients by
certification from the international consumer nurse practitioners (Cisco, 2009). Mobile
advocacy professional group, Health on the phones also expand access to social support
Net (2003). Health on the Net Certification from peers. The current, third-generation eas-
includes multidisciplinary review and then ier-to-use mobile phones meet stringent pri-
continuous random monitoring for credibility vacy standards and Internet access reliability