Visualizations Integrated Into Consumer Health Technologies Support Self-management of Chronic Diseases: A Systematic Review

Visualizations Integrated Into Consumer Health Technologies Support Self-management of Chronic Diseases: A Systematic Review: While chronic diseases remain a global problem, visualizations of data and information are a potential solution to assist patients with chronic disease in communication, self-management, and decision making. The purpose of this systematic review is to synthesize evidence regarding data and information visualizations integrated into consumer health informatics solutions for chronic disease management in the community. A search was conducted in CINAHL, EMBASE, Engineering Village, PsycINFO, PubMed, and Web of Science between January 1, 2007, and May 1, 2019. Studies were evaluated using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. Of the 2549 published studies, six studies met inclusion criteria. Of these six studies, two used information visualizations, two used data visualizations, and two used both information and data visualizations. Graphs were the main type of visualization used. Visualizations were mainly delivered in mobile applications and were interactive. The goals of the visualizations varied across studies including to (1) improve understanding of health data, (2) improve patient-provider communication, (3) monitor chronic disease, and/or (4) improve chronic disease management. Five studies reported subjective outcomes of the visualizations (eg, perceived usability, acceptability). One study reported both subjective and objective outcomes (eg, recall) of the visualizations. Findings highlight the need for more research on data and information visualizations integrated into consumer health technologies that support chronic disease management in daily life.

The authors have disclosed that they have no significant relationships with, or financial interest in, any commercial companies pertaining to this article.

Corresponding author: Maichou Lor, PhD, RN, Columbia University, School of Nursing, 560 W 168th St, New York, NY 10032 (mlor2@wisc.edu).

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