Interdisciplinary Collaboration Between Social Workers and Healthcare Providers in Chronic Disease Management: Review

Abstract

Background: Chronic diseases significantly impact global health, contributing to substantial morbidity and mortality. Effective management of these conditions requires collaboration among healthcare providers, patients, and families. The role of digital health interventions, particularly conversational agents, in enhancing disease management is increasingly recognized, especially in pediatric populations.

Methods: This study focused on asthma management in children, utilizing the MAX conversational agent to facilitate communication between healthcare professionals, patients, and family members. A feasibility study was conducted involving a small sample of pediatric patients and their caregivers, assessing the intervention's efficacy in improving asthma knowledge, medication adherence, and inhalation techniques.

Results: The MAX intervention demonstrated a therapeutic goal attainment rate of 75.5%, with significant improvements in asthma knowledge and reductions in inhalation errors. Feedback from healthcare professionals was pivotal in enhancing patients' inhalation techniques, while the conversational agent effectively engaged family members, encouraging their involvement in the management process.

Conclusion: The findings indicate that conversational agents can serve as effective mediators in chronic disease management, particularly in asthma care for children. By integrating digital health tools within healthcare systems, we can enhance patient education, adherence to treatment protocols, and overall health outcomes. Future research should explore the scalability of such interventions and their impact on healthcare costs and patient quality of life.