Communication as a Technology in Digital Health for Diabetes Management in Indonesia
Abstract
Background: Diabetes management depends on continuous monitoring, education, and interaction, yet Indonesia faces persistent geographic and workforce-related barriers to equitable access to chronic care. Digital health may reduce these barriers, but communication is often treated only as a delivery channel rather than as an interactive technological component of care. Objective: This study explored communication practices in digital health for diabetes management in Indonesia, examined communication as a technological function within digital health systems, and developed a communication-as-technology model based on the synthesized evidence. Methods: A systematic literature review (SLR) was conducted using Scopus and Google Scholar to identify publications from 2020 to 2025. Eligibility was assessed using the PRISMA process, including identification, screening, eligibility assessment, and inclusion. Ten articles that met the review criteria were included in the final synthesis. Results: The 10 included articles showed that mobile health (mHealth), telehealth, self-management applications, wearable devices, and related digital systems support glucose monitoring, patient education, self-management, and communication with healthcare professionals. Across the evidence, communication operated not only as a means of information transfer but also as a feedback mechanism linking patients, data, algorithms, and healthcare professionals. This function is particularly relevant in Indonesia, where digital channels can partially mitigate geographic and workforce-related barriers to access. Conclusion: Communication serves as a functional layer of digital health for diabetes management by supporting feedback, interaction, and behavioral change. In Indonesia, successful implementation requires digital literacy, infrastructure, interoperability, privacy, and equitable access. This conceptual model requires further empirical validation.