Analysis of use of technological support and information content by patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

OBJECTIVE: To identify types of technological support and information content utilized to promote therapeutic regimen management for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). METHODS: In this study, which had a quantitative, exploratory, descriptive, and transversal approach, the authors used a questionnaire organized on the basis of a literature review and two models: One of acceptance of the technology and a theoretical one of the determinants for patients' perceived ease of its use. RESULTS: The patients with COPD reported need for more information related to their daily activities and breathing exercises. Patients who had higher literacy and higher technological literacy reported that web-based technologies were more useful. Those who had lower literacy and lower technological literacy reported higher usefulness, intention and ease of use of mobile phone books, and videos in the access to information. CONCLUSION: Information resources may use any technological support, provided information is available according to the literacy and technological literacy of the patients and tailored to their needs