Diabetes patients in Thailand will soon be able to take care of themselves effectively thanks to a high-tech interactive multi-modality system.
In a move to cope with a shortage of physicians, researchers at the National Electronics and Computer Technology Centre (Nectec) have integrated different communication channels to educate patients on self-care and help make diagnosis and follow up treatment quicker and easier for doctors, Nectec chief Pansak Siriruchatapong said.
Dr Wiroj Jiamjarasrangsi, assistant dean of Medicine at Chulalongkorn University, said the technology would be available for diabetes patients treated at Chulalongkorn Hospital this month.
Pansak said the system would be available via the Internet, e-mail, CDs or online chats, and patients would be given pointers on their eating habits and exercise.
"After patients answer health questions, physicians will immediately analyse their condition and contact them if there are any complications, such as wounds on the patient's feet."
He said the technology would be linked to the hospital's database making analysis of patient's conditions quicker. The system could also be applied to patients suffering other chronic diseases such as hypertension, pulmonary emphysema and asthma.