The willingness to follow medical standards is a pre-requisite for the sustainable application not only of electronic tools such as ALMANACH but also decision charts in general, whatever the support.
As new tools are integrated, however, researchers should explore methodologies to present tools to providers, assess patient-provider interfaces, evaluate the impact of electronic tools in shared decision-making, and support innovative software applications that integrate multiple variables such as test results, medical history, medication history, patient preferences, and family health history.
Improved utilization of electronic tools and technologies will streamline the processes of care delivery.
Methods and tools include shared decision making, use of decision aids, consumer representation, application of electronic and internet-based facilities, and peer support.
Worldwide, only few trials have reported the successful implementation of similar electronic tools [ 14, 15].
Development of the electronic tools and medical writing were supported by CSL Behring.
Similar comparison of paper and electronic tools in a range of health services research applications has consistently demonstrated improved completeness and accuracy when electronic devices are used [ 13].
Details regarding systematic reviews of diabetes-related electronic tools [ 11] and behavior change websites [ 17], the theory of self-efficacy [ 18], the Health Information Model [ 19], as well as their application to our website development are described elsewhere [ 16].
