Interactive voice response technology: a tool for improving healthcare.

The integration of telephony with computers has created interactive voice response technology that has begun to have many applications for healthcare. This technology has to turned touch-tone phones into virtual computer terminals. A number of IVRT applications have been developed with nursing involvement. Research on IVRT use shows major applications dealing with chronic disease management, medication management and the care of special populations.. It will be up to Nurse Informaticists to develop and test creative uses for IVRT that will both leverage technology and improve patient care. Use of the IVRT provides opportunities to educate as well as to monitor individuals on their self-management behaviors. As an understanding of the uses of IVRT in patient care grows, it will offer added value to healthcare services.