Efficacy and implementation of an Internet psychoeducational program for teens with type 1 diabetes

Pilot Study of a Novel Online Comprehensive Pelvic Floor Program for Urinary Incontinence in Women

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS

Urinary incontinence (UI) is common in women and has a vast impact on quality of life (QOL), financial health, and work disability. Robust evidence demonstrates the efficacy of comprehensive conservative therapy (pelvic floor muscle training [PFMT], and behavioral and dietary modification) in the treatment of UI. However, numerous barriers impede access to this care, including limited specialized therapists, financial barriers, and scheduling obstacles. To address these barriers, we developed a novel comprehensive online pelvic floor program (oPFP).

METHODS

We performed a prospective study assessing continence and QOL outcomes in women with stress urinary incontinence (SUI), urge urinary incontinence (UUI), or mixed urinary incontinence (MUI) treated with oPFP between May 2019 and November 2022. Outcomes were assessed at baseline and following completion of the 2-month program using the validated International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Female Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms, Urgency Perception Scale (UPS), Incontinence Impact Questionnaire (IIQ-7) questionnaires, and 24-h bladder diary. Data were analyzed using linear, Poisson mixed models, or generalized estimating equations.

RESULTS

Twenty-eight women (2 SUI, 3 UUI, 23 MUI) were enrolled and 19 (2 SUI, 2 UUI, 15 MUI) completed the study. Following oPFP, participants showed significantly improved SUI domain scores (3.04 ± 0.19 vs 1.81 ± 0.23, p < 0.001), UPS reason score (2.52 ± 0.18 vs 2.05 ± 0.14, p = 0.003), IIQ-7 sum scores (5.16 ± 0.88 vs 3.07 ± 0.70, p = 0.038), and daily incontinence episodes (2.96 ± 0.60 vs 1.06 ± 0.29, p < 0.001). Mean patient-reported improvement was 5.4 ± 2.5 (ten-point Likert scale). Of respondents, 89% reported program satisfaction, ease of use, and would recommend the program to others.

CONCLUSION

The oPFP results in significant improvements to a variety of UI and QOL measures. This program provides an important UI treatment option and gives women greater access to effective conservative therapy.

What Are the Various Comprehensive Treatment Models to Improve Self-Efficacy and Self-Management in Adolescents with Diabetes Mellitus? A Scoping Review

Background

This review aimed to synthesize intervention models involving the role of adolescent and family support as part of comprehensive care to improve self-efficacy and self-management among adolescents with Diabetes Mellitus (DM).

Methods

A review was conducted to conform to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) standards. We searched PubMed, Research Gate, Science Direct, Cochrane Library databases, and grey literature. We included articles exploring family intervention models on improving self-efficacy and self-management among adolescents with DM, published from January 1, 2009, to June 30, 2022, and in English. Articles were declared eligible, reviewed critically, and then synthesized narratively.

Results

We identified 487 abstracts and title records from the initial search and excluded 409 irrelevant studies. Sixty-six full-text articles were screened, and nine were included in the synthesis. Five articles presented findings from using models focusing on child and adolescent intervention, while in the remaining four articles, the intervention models involved adolescents and their caregivers or parents. Only two models provide comprehensive care that requires collaboration among healthcare providers, patients, and families. Adolescent self-efficacy and self-management schemes as intermediary variables are closely related to everything that can influence health behavior, metabolic control, and quality of life for adolescents, which requires support from a multidisciplinary collaborative team.

Conclusion

Excellent comprehensive care team collaboration involving family support is essential to increase the self-efficacy and self-management of adolescents with DM.

Digital health interventions for improving mental health outcomes and wellbeing for youth with type 1 diabetes: A systematic review

Digital health interventions are a promising alternative to face-to-face psychosocial interventions that may improve psychological outcomes in youth with diabetes. Several reviews have explored the efficacy of digital health interventions for adults and youth with some chronic health conditions; however, their efficacy among youth with type 1 diabetes is not known. This systematic review aims to assess digital health interventions targeting both psychological and physical health outcomes in youth with type 1 diabetes as well as to evaluate study quality and efficacy, and provide directions for future research in this area. Relevant studies were identified through searches conducted in MEDLINE, Embase, APA PsycInfo, Scopus, Cochrane Central, and CINAHL Plus up until February 2021. Studies were included if they were randomized; reported at least one psychological outcome that was assessed at ≥2 time points; included a digital health intervention; and were conducted in youth aged 5 to 25 years with type 1 diabetes. The revised Cochrane risk-of-bias (RoB 2) tool was used to assess risk of bias. Of the 5159 articles found, 15 met the inclusion criteria and were included in the review. Self-efficacy improved in 2 of the 3 studies which assessed self-efficacy; however, no consistent improvements were found for other psychological, behavioral, or physical outcomes. All studies showed some risk of bias concerns. More research is needed to make firm conclusions on the efficacy of digital health interventions for youth with diabetes. More specifically, interventions based on psychological theories are needed and studies of higher quality methodologies.

Development and Theoretical Underpinnings of the PRIORITY Intervention: A Parenting Intervention to Prevent Disordered Eating in Children and Young People With Type 1 Diabetes

Children and young people (CYP) with type 1 diabetes (T1D) are twice as likely to develop disordered eating (T1DE) and clinical eating disorders than those without. This has significant implications for physical and mental health, with some eating disorders associated with repeated diabetic ketoacidosis and higher HbA1c levels, both of which are life threatening. There is currently limited psychological support for CYP and families with T1D but increasingly, policy and practice are suggesting disordered eating in T1D may be effectively prevented through psychological intervention. We describe the development and theoretical underpinnings of a preventative psychological intervention for parents of CYP aged 11-14, with T1D. The intervention was informed by psychological theory, notably the Information Motivation Behaviour Skills model and Behaviour Change Technique Taxonomy. The intervention was co-developed with an expert advisory group of clinicians, and families with T1D. The manualised intervention includes two online group workshops, and supplementary online materials. The intervention continues to evolve, and feasibility findings will inform how best to align the intervention with routine care in NHS diabetes teams. Early detection and intervention are crucial in preventing T1DE, and it is hoped that the current intervention can contribute to improving the psychological and physical wellbeing of young people and families managing T1D.

Technology-Based Peer Support Interventions for Adolescents with Chronic Illness: A Systematic Review

Technology may help adolescents with chronic illnesses overcome barriers to accessing peer support, which has been associated with better quality of life and health outcomes. This review aimed to describe technology-based peer support interventions for adolescents with chronic illness following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Of 3781 articles identified, 32 met inclusion criteria. The most common technologies were websites with discussion forums (n = 18), chat messaging (n = 9), and video conferencing (n = 7). Most studies (69%) focused on feasibility and had small sample sizes. Results support the feasibility and acceptability of these interventions. Results suggested positive effects on social support, but were mixed on isolation, quality of life, and disease self-management. There were too few adequately powered randomized controlled trials to determine efficacy of these interventions at this time. Future work should use rigorous methods to evaluate efficacy and account for rapid shifts in technology for adolescent communication.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in Adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes: An Integrative Review

PROBLEM

Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) is a complex chronic condition that impacts physiologic and psychosocial outcomes in adolescents. Adolescents with T1D experience anxiety and depressive symptoms at 2 to 3 times the rate of the general adolescent population. Anxiety and depressive symptoms negatively impact disease management. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is considered the gold standard therapeutic technique for treating anxiety and depressive symptoms. The aim of this integrative review was to examine and synthesize the extant literature exploring the effect of CBT on physiologic and psychosocial outcomes in adolescents with T1D.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Electronic databases were searched with the terms "type 1 diabetes" and "cognitive behavioral therapy." Studies were included if they were published between 2000 and 2020, evaluated a pediatric population (≤18 years of age), and included individuals with diagnosed T1D.

SAMPLE

475 articles were identified in our initial search, and after removal of duplicates 353 articles remained. 339 did not meet inclusion criteria. A total of 14 papers met inclusion criteria.

RESULTS

All studies included CBT, but differed in delivery methods. Several studies demonstrated evidence of the feasibility and acceptability; however, there were mixed results regarding improvement of physiologic and psychosocial outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

CBT is a feasible and acceptable intervention in adolescents with T1D. It may be a method of improving psychologic and psychosocial outcomes for this high-risk population.

IMPLICATIONS

In adolescents with T1D, screening and treatment for psychosocial comorbidities should occur regularly at endocrinology visits. CBT can be operationalized to fill this gap.

Clinical Utility of Psychoeducational Interventions for Youth with Type 1 Diabetes: A Scoping Review

Adolescence is a challenging time for the medical management of type 1 diabetes. Thus, a range of psychoeducational interventions have been developed to improve diabetes management among youth. Systematic reviews of this literature have emphasized the effectiveness of interventions for improving patient outcomes. However, knowledge beyond what works is required for interventions to be adopted into routine clinical practice. The objective of this scoping review was to map the clinical utility of the literature based on a variety of indicators, including the problem base, context placement, information gain, transparency, pragmatism, and patient-centeredness of the research. This lens for reviewing research is consistent with the biopsychosocial model and an increasing focus on reducing disability, including activity limitation and participation restriction. PsycINFO, MEDLINE, and CINHAL databases were searched for evaluative psychoeducational intervention studies published between January 2005 and October 2020. Two cited reference searches and one reference list search were also performed. Fifty studies describing 46 different interventions were identified. The clinical utility of the interventions was highly variable. A detailed overview of the clinical utility of the literature is provided with an emphasis on current gaps and shortcomings to be addressed in future research. This work helps advance the translation of clinical knowledge into practice in schools, homes, and communities; and, ultimately, improve the health and well-being of adolescents with T1D.

A systematic review on randomized controlled trials: Coaching elements of digital services to support chronically ill adolescents during transition of care

AIMS

To define digital health services that have been studied among chronically ill adolescents and to describe e-health coaching elements that may have an impact on transition outcomes.

DESIGN

Systematic review without meta-analysis.

DATA SOURCES

MEDLINE (Ovid), Pub Med, Scopus and CINAHL on 28 May 2018.

REVIEW METHODS

Peer-reviewed articles published between January 2008-May 2018 were reviewed following the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions and reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses statement.

RESULTS

Twelve randomized controlled trials were included. The interventions varied significantly in duration and content. E-coaching that included human and social support showed positive impact on transition outcomes. Digital health services incorporated into usual care provide efficient and accessible care.

CONCLUSION

E-coaching elements enable tailoring and personalization and present a tool for supporting and motivating chronically ill adolescents during transition of care. Future research should evaluate the effectiveness of e-coaching elements.

IMPACT

Digital services are considered a means for increasing adolescents' motivation for self-care and for increasing their accessibility to health care. The coaching elements in digital services consist of a theoretical basis, human support, interactive means and social support. Included interventions varied in terms of duration, dose, content and design. Our results may serve the development of digital health services for adolescents in transition. E-coaching can be used to engage and motivate chronically ill adolescents to improve health behaviour and self-management during transition of care.

Impact of technology-based interventions for children and young people with type 1 diabetes on key diabetes self-management behaviours and prerequisites: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

The role of technology in the self-management of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) among children and young people is not well understood. Interventions should aim to improve key diabetes self-management behaviours (self-management of blood glucose, insulin administration, physical activity and dietary behaviours) and prerequisites (psychological outcomes and HbA1c) highlighted in the UK guidelines of the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) for management of T1DM. The purpose was to identify evidence to assess the effectiveness of technological tools in promoting aspects of these guidelines amongst children and young people.

METHODS

A systematic review of English language articles was conducted using the following databases: Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, NUSearch, SAGE Journals, SpringerLink, Google Scholar, Science Direct, Sport Discus, Embase, Psychinfo and Cochrane Trials. Search terms included paediatric, type one diabetes, technology, intervention and various synonyms. Included studies examined interventions which supplemented usual care with a health care strategy primarily delivered through a technology-based medium (e.g. mobile phone, website, activity monitor) with the aim of engaging children and young people with T1DM directly in their diabetes healthcare. Studies did not need to include a comparator condition and could be randomised, non-randomised or cohort studies but not single-case studies.

RESULTS

Of 30 included studies (21 RCTs), the majority measured self-monitoring of blood glucose monitoring (SMBG) frequency, clinical indicators of diabetes self-management (e.g. HbA1c) and/or psychological or cognitive outcomes. The most positive findings were associated with technology-based health interventions targeting SMBG as a behavioural outcome, with some benefits found for clinical and/or psychological diabetes self-management outcomes. Technological interventions were well accepted by children and young people. For the majority of included outcomes, clinical relevance was deemed to be little or none.

CONCLUSIONS

More research is required to assess which elements of interventions are most likely to produce beneficial behavioural outcomes. To produce clinically relevant outcomes, interventions may need to be delivered for at least 1 year and should consider targeting individuals with poorly managed diabetes. It is not possible to determine the impact of technology-based interventions on insulin administration, dietary habits and/or physical activity behaviour due to lack of evidence.

Effectiveness of individual strategies for the empowerment of patients with diabetes mellitus: A systematic review with meta-analysis

AIMS

To identify and evaluate the effectiveness of individual empowerment strategies in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM).

METHODS

A systematic review was performed in the PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct and BVS. For meta-analysis and evaluation of Cochrane Risk and Bias, Revman V 5.2 software was used.

RESULTS

Eleven studies of 1073 publications met the inclusion criteria. The strategies used were individual consultations, phone calls, sessions via a website and use of a booklet. Glycemic Hemoglobin (HbA1c) was used to evaluate the effectiveness of the strategies, and 45.4% of the studies also used the Diabetes Empowerment Scale. Five studies (45.5%) showed significant improvements in HbA1c reduction, improvements in self-efficacy (18.2%), knowledge levels of DM (18.2%), quality of life (18.2%). However, after meta-analysis, no statistically significant improvement was found for HbA1c.

CONCLUSION

This systematic review showed that individual strategies for DM empowerment were not effective in reducing HbA1c, despite contributing to improvements in psychosocial parameters. Therefore, individual strategies need to be reviewed so that they become effective in DM control.

Anxiety and diabetes: Innovative approaches to management in primary care

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a chief concern for patients, healthcare providers, and health care systems in America, and around the globe. Individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus exhibit clinical and subclinical symptoms of anxiety more frequently than people without diabetes. Anxiety is traditionally associated with poor metabolic outcomes and increased medical complications among those with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Collaborative care models have been utilized in the multidisciplinary treatment of mental health problems and chronic disease, and have demonstrated success in managing the pathology of depression which often accompanies diabetes. However, no specific treatment model has been published that links the treatment of anxiety to the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Given the success of collaborative care models in treating depression associated with diabetes, and anxiety unrelated to chronic disease, it is possible that the collaborative care treatment of primary care patients who suffer from both anxiety and diabetes could be met with the same success. The key issue is determining how to implement and sustain these models in practice. This review summarizes the proposed link between anxiety and diabetes, and offers an innovative and evidence-based collaborative care model for anxiety and diabetes in primary care.