Study designs of evaluations included in the review
Only randomised controlled trials (RCTs) were included in the review.
Specific interventions included in the review
Educational computer-patient interactions, which included: interactive instructional computer programs; computerised health assessment and history taking; and computerised information support networks.
Participants included in the review
Patients who were receiving medical attention in the following therapeutic areas: diabetes, asthma, AIDS/HIV, arthritis, Alzheimer's disease, stress management, hypertension, occupational rehabilitation alcoholism and general health management. The overall review population had an age range of 12 to 91 years. Patients were not required to have any previous computer experience.
Outcomes assessed in the review
Effect on disease or disorder being treated. The effect variables varied by indication, but included such variables as reduction in blood glucose in diabetic patients, increased cleanliness of urine samples etc.
How were decisions on the relevance of primary studies made?
The authors do not state how the papers were selected for the review, or how many of the reviewers performed the selection.