Last week, an article came out featuring UCLA's medical center and a web-based program they use with their IBD patients. It is a state of the art program where patients can download an app for tablets and smartphones to help monitor their illness. They started the trial on IBD patients, but plan on expanding it to other chronic illnesses such as heart failure, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). In a culture like ours, which is moving more and more towards embracing technology, it seems as if this medical center is ahead of the curve. Their program is called "Home Care" and "has several modules for patient support. It incorporates a tool called My Academy that enables patients to take tests to gauge their knowledge about their condition. The program also teaches the patients about medication that treats their ailments. Patients answer questions in an interactive app on the iPad about their disease activities, quali
If you're living with a chronic illness, you're in the right place.