Development of a web-based gout self-management program.

OBJECTIVE

This study was conducted to develop a web-based gout self-management program that can be applicable to each gout stage and to evaluate the validity of the developed program.

METHODS

A web-based gout self-management program was developed and evaluated in 5 stages: analysis (needs assessment on 60 gout patients and content analysis through a systematic review of literature and websites), design, development, implementation, and evaluation.

RESULTS AND

CONCLUSION

The gout-related information section was structured with overview, causes, risk factors, symptoms, diagnosis, progress, treatments, and complications. The self-management section consisted of diet/nutrition, weight control, alcohol management, exercise, and pain and stress management. The program included bulletin board and expert section to promote bidirectional interactions between program users and providers. Self-assessment tool of gout stages and self-management checklist were provided. Program contents and ease of site navigation (http://goutin.kr) were found to be appropriate and satisfactory to both patient and expert groups.