Effects of Face-to-Face and Telephone-Based Family-Oriented Education on Self-Care Behavior and Patient Outcomes in Type 2 Diabetes: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Effectiveness of Family-Based Diabetes Management Intervention on Glycated Haemoglobin Among Adults With Type 2 Diabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

BACKGROUND

Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) control is a crucial goal in the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), requiring lifelong commitment and family support. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of family-based diabetes management intervention on HbA1c among adults with T2DM.

METHODS

From inception up to 2022, a comprehensive literature search was conducted across PubMed, ProQuest, Scopus, CORE, and the Cochrane Library. The quality of studies was evaluated using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Critical Appraisal tools. Effect sizes were calculated using standard deviations (SD), while the degree of heterogeneity was evaluated using the Higgins I2 test. Subgroup analyses were performed to explore factors contributing to sources of heterogeneity among trials. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) were followed, and the protocol was registered with PROSPERO CRD42022384034.

RESULTS

A total of 18 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving 2815 participants indicated that family-based diabetes management intervention had a statistically significant impact on improving HbA1c (Mean Difference [MD] = -.47; 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: -.64 to -.30, p < .001) with a moderate level of heterogeneity (I2 = 59%). Subgroup analysis indicated that family-based diabetes management intervention among adults with T2DM in developing regions was more effective in improving HbA1c levels compared to developed countries.

CONCLUSION

Family-based diabetes management interventions improved HbA1c. Further research is required to develop diabetes management strategies with a family focus that clearly defines the family's involvement.

The Effectiveness of Telehealth Interventions on Medication Adherence Among Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: A Meta-Analysis

Objective: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a global health issue with an increasing frequency across the world and is an important disease in which medication adherence is a priority component for disease management. Several interventions are implemented to increase medication adherence in patients with type 2 DM, and telehealth interventions have become widespread thanks to technological advancements. This meta-analysis aims at reviewing the telehealth interventions applied to patients with type 2 DM and examining their effects on medication adherence. Methods: Relevant studies published in ScienceDirect, Web of Science, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) and PubMed from 2000 to December 2022 were searched in this meta-analysis. Their methodological quality was assessed using the Modified Jadad scale. Total score for each study ranged from 0 (low quality) to 8 (high quality). Studies with four or more were of good quality. Standardized mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were used for statistical analysis. Publication bias was assessed using the funnel plot and Egger regression test. Both subgroup analysis and meta-regression analysis were performed in the study. Results: A total of 18 studies were analyzed in this meta-analysis. All studies scored 4 or above in their methodological quality assessment and were of good quality. The combined results have shown that telehealth interventions significantly increased medication adherence in the intervention group (SMD = 0.501; 95% CI 0.231-0.771; Z = 3.63, p < 0.001). Our subgroup analysis has revealed that HbA1c value, mean age, and duration of intervention significantly affected the study results. Conclusion: Telehealth interventions are an effective method to increase medication adherence in patients with type 2 DM. It is recommended that telehealth interventions be expanded in clinical practices and included in disease management.

A web-based low carbohydrate diet intervention significantly improves glycaemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes: results of the T2Diet Study randomised controlled trial

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

In people with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), low carbohydrate diets (LCD), defined as 10-<26% total energy intake from carbohydrate, have indicated improved glycaemic control and clinical outcomes. Web-based interventions can help overcome significant challenges of accessibility and availability of dietary education and support for T2DM. No previous study had evaluated a web-based LCD intervention using a randomised controlled trial (RCT) design. The objective of this study was to assess whether a web-based LCD programme provided in conjunction with standard care improves glycaemic control in adults with T2DM.

SUBJECTS/METHODS

A 16-week parallel RCT was conducted remotely during Covid-19 among the general community, recruiting adults with T2DM not on insulin aged 40-89 years. Participants were randomly assigned (1:1) to standard care plus the web-based T2Diet healthy LCD education programme (intervention) or standard care only (control). The primary outcome was haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c). Secondary outcomes were weight, body mass index (BMI), anti-glycaemic medication, dietary intake, and self-efficacy. Blinded data analysis was conducted by intention-to-treat.

RESULTS

Ninety-eight participants were enrolled, assigning 49 to each group, with 87 participants (n = 40 intervention; n = 47 control) included in outcome analysis. At 16 weeks, there was a statistically significant between-group difference favouring the intervention group, with reductions in HbA1c -0.65% (95% CI: -0.99 to -0.30; p < 0.0001), weight -3.26 kg (p < 0.0001), BMI -1.11 kg/m2 (p < 0.0001), and anti-glycaemic medication requirements -0.40 (p < 0.0001), with large effect sizes Cohen's d > 0.8.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrated that as an adjunct to standard care, the web-based T2Diet programme significantly improved glycaemic control and clinical outcomes in adults with T2DM. In addition, the results highlight the potential to improve access and availability for people with T2DM to achieve glycaemic control and improved health through web-based dietary education and support.

The Effectiveness of Telemedicine Solutions for the Management of Type 2 Diabetes: A Systematic Review, Meta-Analysis, and Meta-Regression

BACKGROUND

Previous systematic reviews have aimed to clarify the effect of telemedicine on diabetes. However, such reviews often have a narrow focus, which calls for a more comprehensive systematic review within the field. Hence, the objective of the present systematic review, meta-analysis, and meta-regression is to evaluate the effectiveness of telemedicine solutions versus any comparator without the use of telemedicine on diabetes-related outcomes among adult patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D).

METHODS

This review was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. We considered telemedicine randomized controlled trials (RCT) including adults (≥18 years) diagnosed with T2D. Change in glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c, %) was the primary outcome. PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) were searched on October 14, 2020. An overall treatment effect was estimated using a meta-analysis performed on the pool of included studies based on the mean difference (MD). The revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool was applied and the certainty of evidence was graded using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations (GRADE) approach.

RESULTS

The final sample of papers included a total of 246, of which 168 had sufficient information to calculate the effect of HbA1c%. The results favored telemedicine, with an MD of -0.415% (95% confidence interval [CI] = -0.482% to -0.348%). The heterogeneity was great (I2 = 93.05%). A monitoring component gave rise to the higher effects of telemedicine.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, telemedicine may serve as a valuable supplement to usual care for patients with T2D. The inclusion of a telemonitoring component seems to increase the effect of telemedicine.

The Effectiveness of an eHealth Family-Based Intervention Program in Patients With Uncontrolled Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) in the Community Via WeChat: Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

Intervention based on family support and risk perception can enhance type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients' self-care activities. In addition, eHealth education is considered to improve family members' support for patients with T2DM. However, there is little evidence from rigorously designed studies on the effectiveness of an intervention combining these approaches.

OBJECTIVE

This randomized controlled trial (RCT) aimed to assess the effectiveness of an eHealth family-based health education intervention for patients with T2DM to improve their glucose control, risk perception, and self-care behaviors.

METHODS

This single-center, 2-parallel-group RCT was conducted between 2019 and 2020. Overall, 228 patients were recruited from Jiading District, Shanghai, and randomly divided into intervention and control groups. The intervention group received an eHealth family intervention based on community management via WeChat, whereas the control group received usual care. The primary outcome was the glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) level of the patients with T2DM, and the secondary outcomes were self-management behavior (general and specific diet, exercise, blood sugar testing, foot care, and smoking), risk perception (risk knowledge, personal control, worry, optimism bias, and personal risk), and family support (supportive and nonsupportive behaviors). A 2-tailed paired-sample t test was used to compare the participants at baseline and follow-up within the control and intervention groups. An analysis of covariance was used to measure the intervention effect.

RESULTS

In total, 225 patients with T2DM were followed up for 1 year. After intervention, they had significantly lower HbA1c values (β=-.69, 95% CI -0.99 to -0.39; P<.001). They also had improved general diet (β=.60, 95% CI 0.20 to 1.00; P=.003), special diet (β=.71, 95% CI 0.34 to 1.09; P<.001), blood sugar testing (β=.50, 95% CI 0.02 to 0.98; P=.04), foot care (β=1.82, 95% CI 1.23 to 2.42; P<.001), risk knowledge (β=.89, 95% CI 0.55 to 1.24; P<.001), personal control (β=.22, 95% CI 0.12 to 0.32; P<.001), worry (β=.24, 95% CI 0.10 to 0.39; P=.001), optimism bias (β=.26, 95% CI 0.09 to 0.43; P=.003), and supportive behaviors (β=5.52, 95% CI 4.03 to 7.01; P<.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The eHealth family-based intervention improved glucose control and self-care activities among patients with T2DM by aiding the implementation of interventions to improve T2DM risk perceptions among family members. The intervention is generalizable for patients with T2DM using health management systems in community health centers.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR1900020736; https://www.chictr.org.cn/showprojen.aspx?proj=31214.

Nurse-led Telehealth Intervention for Rehabilitation (Telerehabilitation) Among Community-Dwelling Patients With Chronic Diseases: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Chronic diseases are putting huge pressure on health care systems. Nurses are widely recognized as one of the competent health care providers who offer comprehensive care to patients during rehabilitation after hospitalization. In recent years, telerehabilitation has opened a new pathway for nurses to manage chronic diseases at a distance; however, it remains unclear which chronic disease patients benefit the most from this innovative delivery mode.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to summarize current components of community-based, nurse-led telerehabilitation programs using the chronic care model; evaluate the effectiveness of nurse-led telerehabilitation programs compared with traditional face-to-face rehabilitation programs; and compare the effects of telerehabilitation on patients with different chronic diseases.

METHODS

A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed using 6 databases for articles published from 2015 to 2021. Studies comparing the effectiveness of telehealth rehabilitation with face-to-face rehabilitation for people with hypertension, cardiac diseases, chronic respiratory diseases, diabetes, cancer, or stroke were included. Quality of life was the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes included physical indicators, self-care, psychological impacts, and health-resource use. The revised Cochrane risk of bias tool for randomized trials was employed to assess the methodological quality of the included studies. A meta-analysis was conducted using a random-effects model and illustrated with forest plots.

RESULTS

A total of 26 studies were included in the meta-analysis. Telephone follow-ups were the most commonly used telerehabilitation delivery approach. Chronic care model components, such as nurses-patient communication, self-management support, and regular follow-up, were involved in all telerehabilitation programs. Compared with traditional face-to-face rehabilitation groups, statistically significant improvements in quality of life (cardiac diseases: standard mean difference [SMD] 0.45; 95% CI 0.09 to 0.81; P=.01; heterogeneity: X21=1.9; I2=48%; P=.16; chronic respiratory diseases: SMD 0.18; 95% CI 0.05 to 0.31; P=.007; heterogeneity: X22=1.7; I2=0%; P=.43) and self-care (cardiac diseases: MD 5.49; 95% CI 2.95 to 8.03; P<.001; heterogeneity: X25=6.5; I2=23%; P=.26; diabetes: SMD 1.20; 95% CI 0.55 to 1.84; P<.001; heterogeneity: X24=46.3; I2=91%; P<.001) were observed in the groups that used telerehabilitation. For patients with any of the 6 targeted chronic diseases, those with hypertension and diabetes experienced significant improvements in their blood pressure (systolic blood pressure: MD 10.48; 95% CI 2.68 to 18.28; P=.008; heterogeneity: X21=2.2; I2=54%; P=0.14; diastolic blood pressure: MD 1.52; 95% CI -10.08 to 13.11, P=.80; heterogeneity: X21=11.5; I2=91%; P<.001), and hemoglobin A1c (MD 0.19; 95% CI -0.19 to 0.57 P=.32; heterogeneity: X24=12.4; I2=68%; P=.01) levels. Despite these positive findings, telerehabilitation was found to have no statistically significant effect on improving patients' anxiety level, depression level, or hospital admission rate.

CONCLUSIONS

This review showed that telerehabilitation programs could be beneficial to patients with chronic disease in the community. However, better designed nurse-led telerehabilitation programs are needed, such as those involving the transfer of nurse-patient clinical data. The heterogeneity between studies was moderate to high. Future research could integrate the chronic care model with telerehabilitation to maximize its benefits for community-dwelling patients with chronic diseases.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews CRD42022324676; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=324676.

Feasibility of a telephone-delivered educational intervention for knowledge transfer of COVID-19-related information to older adults in Hong Kong: a pre-post-pilot study

Background

During the COVID-19 pandemic, educational interventions have become necessary to prevent the spread of health-related misinformation among Hong Kong older adults. The primary objective of this study was to assess the feasibility of a student-led, telephone-delivered intervention to improve COVID-19-related health knowledge among Hong Kong older adults. The secondary objective was to evaluate the impact of the intervention on the student volunteers.

Methods

Twenty-five participants aged 65 or above who were able to communicate in Cantonese and had no hearing or cognitive impairments were recruited for this longitudinal pre–post-study from a community center in Hong Kong. The pilot telephone-delivered intervention consisted of five telephone call sessions conducted by 25 student volunteers. Each participant was paired with the same volunteer throughout the intervention. The first four sessions included pre-tests that assessed the participants’ understanding of three COVID-19-related themes: medication safety, healthcare voucher scheme, and COVID-19 myth-busting. Standardized explanations of the pre-test questions were offered to participants during the phone calls. In the last session, a post-test on all the themes was conducted. The intervention’s feasibility was assessed based on (a) percentage changes in the participants’ test scores, (b) attrition rate, and (c) the acceptability of the intervention by the participants. The impact of the intervention on the student volunteers was evaluated based on a student feedback survey. There was no control group.

Results

Significant improvements in the participants’ test scores (out of 100%) for all themes were observed after the intervention: from 76 to 95.2% for medication safety, from 64.0 to 88.8% for the healthcare voucher scheme, and from 78.0 to 93.2% for COVID-19 myth-busting. The average improvement in test scores of the three themes was 18.4% (95% CI 12.2 to 24.6%). Most participants were satisfied with the program. The student feedback survey suggested that the intervention enhanced students’ communication skills and understanding of Hong Kong older adults.

Conclusion

This pilot study offers initial evidence of the potential and feasibility of student-led, telephone-delivered educational interventions for the transfer of COVID-19-related knowledge to older adults and their benefits for the student volunteers. Future studies should include larger samples and a control group.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40814-022-01169-y.

Effects of a theory-based training program with follow-up home visits on self-management behavior, glycemic index, and quality of life among Iranian patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Background

Uncontrolled diabetes is an important public health problem that endangers the quality of life of patients. Promoting self-management through well-planned training is an essential strategy to control diabetes effectively. This study aimed to examine the effects of a training program based on social cognitive theory (SCT) on self-management behavior, glycemic index, and quality of life among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Methods

This is a quasi-experimental study with a pretest–posttest design. The statistical population included 106 adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus assigned to the intervention and control groups [n₁ = n₂ = 53], who received services from two urban health centers. A multi-method, SCT-based training program consisting of six 60–80-min sessions was run, followed by 2–3 follow-up home visits [once a month for each participant] for the intervention group. The data were collected before and three months after the intervention and were analyzed in SPSS 19.

Results

Before the intervention, there was no significant difference between the two groups regarding the main variables. After the intervention, there was a significant increase in the intervention group's mean scores of knowledge, self-efficacy, social support, outcome expectations, self-regulation, self-management behavior, glycemic index, and quality of life. There were no significant changes in these constructs in the control group after the intervention. The regression analysis results indicated that social cognitive theory and self-management could explain the variance in quality of life [adjusted R-squared = 0.476].

Conclusions

The findings support the effectiveness of the multi-method, SCT-based educational intervention in improving self-management behaviors, glycemic index, and quality of life among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. It is suggested that the quality of type 2 diabetes care programs should be promoted. However, further research is needed to evaluate the long-term outcomes.

Supervised Exercise Interventions in Childhood Cancer Survivors: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Background: Childhood cancer survivors (CCSs) may suffer from a multitude of health impairments, resulting in a compromised quality of life (QoL). This review’s objective was to examine CCSs’ adherence to supervised exercise training interventions and the impact of these interventions on health outcomes. Methods: The following databases were searched in May 2022: PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science. The included studies were limited to randomized controlled trials (RCTs), published in English involving CCSs aged 18 years and below. Results: Nine RCTs (n = 642 participants) were included in the systematic review, and seven of them (n = 551 participants) were included in the meta-analysis. Both the mean retention rate and adherence to the supervised exercise interventions were 87%. Supervised exercise interventions significantly improved muscle strength (standardized mean difference (SMD) = 1.42, p = 0.03), level of daily physical activity (SMD = 1.05, p < 0.001), body mass index (BMI) (mean difference (MD) = 1.06, p = 0.03), and fatigue (SMD = −0.44, p < 0.001), while there was no statistical significance in the quality of life (QoL) (SMD = 0.21, p = 0.20). Conclusions: The adherence of CCSs to supervised exercise interventions is high, and supervised exercise interventions are safe and effective.

Prevention and Management of Diabetes-Related Foot Ulcers through Informal Caregiver Involvement: A Systematic Review

Background

The literature remains unclear whether involving informal caregivers in diabetes self-care could lead to improved diabetic foot outcomes for persons at risk and/or with foot ulcer. In this review, we synthesized evidence of the impact of interventions involving informal caregivers in the prevention and/or management of diabetes-related foot ulcers.

Methods

A systematic review based on PRISMA, and Synthesis Without Meta-analysis (SWiM) guidelines was conducted. MEDLINE (Ovid), Embase (Ovid), PsycINFO, CINAHL, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trial of the Cochrane Library databases were searched from inception to February 2021. The following MESH terms were used: diabetic foot, foot ulcer, foot disease, diabetes mellitus, caregiver, family caregiver ,and family. Experimental studies involving persons with diabetes, with or at risk of foot ulcers and their caregivers were included. Data were extracted from included studies and narrative synthesis of findings undertaken.

Results

Following the search of databases, 9275 articles were screened and 10 met the inclusion criteria. Studies were RCTs (n = 5), non-RCTs (n = 1), and prepoststudies (n = 4). Informal caregivers through the intervention programmes were engaged in diverse roles that resulted in improved foot ulcer prevention and/or management outcomes such as improved foot care behaviors, increased diabetes knowledge, decreased HbA1c (mmol/mol or %), improved wound healing, and decreased limb amputations rates. Engaging both caregivers and the person with diabetes in education and hands-on skills training on wound care and foot checks were distinctive characteristics of interventions that consistently produced improved foot self-care behavior and clinically significant improvement in wound healing.

Conclusion

Informal caregivers play diverse and significant roles that seem to strengthen interventions and resulted in improved diabetes-related foot ulcer prevention and/or management outcomes. However, there are multiple intervention types and delivery strategies, and these may need to be considered by researchers and practitioners when planning programs for diabetes-related foot ulcers.

The Individual Nutrition Education Needs among Patients with Type 2 Diabetes at the Public Health Centers in Padang, Indonesia: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: The Indonesian Public Health Care (PHC) of Management Nutrition Therapy (MNT) guidelines describe that individual nutrition education is aimed to improve quality of MNT services. The guidelines were originally developed for non-communicable diseases (NCDs), not specially for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) purposes. The reluctance of patients with T2DM to attend individual nutrition education is a common public health care issue in Padang (Indonesia). Methods: The presented cross-sectional study aimed to determine the individual nutrition education needs among people with T2DM. A set questionnaire was distributed to 11 PHC selected from 11 districts in Padang and 179 patients with T2DM were recruited and interviewed. Results: Among the 179 patients with T2DM, 76.5% were females and housewives (49.2%), a slight majority (57.8%) were ≤58 years old and 45.9% had graduated from primary school. The highest numbers of patients with T2DM were in PHC Andalas (20.7%). Some 74.9% (134) of the people with T2DM routinely attended individual nutrition education classes for less than 30 min (60.3%). Patients with T2DM followed individual nutrition education at a PHC every 1–2 months (59.8%), and a majority of the individual nutrition education was given by a medical doctor (57.5%). In contrast, 42.3% of patients with T2DM did not attend individual nutrition education due to a lack of recommendation from a medical doctor and their reluctance (33.3%). Although a majority of patients with T2DM (62.6%) were satisfied with their individual nutrition education, (20.4% of patients with T2DM recommended the availability of booklets during individual nutrition education that can be read at home. Patients with T2DM needed individual nutrition education (88.8%) and the majority (25.1%) requested individual nutrition education topics about diabetes food recommendation. Even though patients with T2DM followed health professionals’ advice (78.2%), however, their HbA1c (76.5%) wasnot reduced. Patients with T2DM agreed that individual nutrition education can increase their knowledge (51.9%), unfortunately, they still have difficulty to control their blood glucose (5.6%). Conclusions: According to the patients with the T2DM perspective stated above, it is crucial to develop the tool kits and educate patients with T2DM following the Diabetes Nutrition Education (DNE) curriculum to improve glycemic control.

2022 National Standards for Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support

PURPOSE

The National Standards for Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support (DSMES) provide guidance and evidence-based, quality practice for all DSMES services. Due to the dynamic nature of health care and diabetes research, the National Standards are reviewed and revised approximately every 5 years by key stakeholders and experts within the diabetes care and education community. For each revision, the Task Force is charged with reviewing the current National Standards for appropriateness, relevance, and scientific basis and making updates based on current evidence and expert consensus. In 2021, the group was tasked with reducing administrative burden related to DSMES implementation across diverse care settings.

CONCLUSION

The evidence supporting the 2022 National Standards clearly identifies the need to provide person-centered services that embrace cultural differences, social determinants of health, and the ever-increasing technological engagement platforms and systems. Payers are invited to review the National Standards as a tool to inform and modernize DSMES reimbursement requirements and to align with the evolving needs of people with diabetes (PWD) and physicians/other qualified health care professionals. The American Diabetes Association and the Association of Diabetes Care & Education Specialists strongly advocate for health equity to ensure all PWD have access to this critical service proven to improve outcomes both related to and beyond diabetes. The 2022 National Standards update is meant to be a universal document that is easy to understand and can be implemented by the entire health care community. DSMES teams in collaboration with primary care have been shown to be the most effective approach to overcome therapeutic inertia.

Public health interventions on prescription redemptions and secondary medication adherence among type 2 diabetes patients: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Background

Despite the inadequate filling of prescriptions among chronic care patients has been a problem, little is known about the intervention effect on it.

Objective

The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis (SRMA) was to investigate the effectiveness of various public health interventions on primary and secondary medication adherence among T2DM patients.

Methods

Searching was done from the major databases; Cochrane Library, Medline/PubMed, EBSCOhost, and SCOPUS. A hand search was made to find grey works of literature. Articles focused on interventions to enhance primary and secondary medication among type 2 diabetes mellitus patients were included. After screening and checking eligibility, the methodological quality was assessed. Secondary medication adherence was synthesized descriptively due to measurement and definition variations across studies. Finally, a meta-analysis was made using the fixed effects model for primary medication adherence.

Results

3992 studies were screened for both primary and secondary medication adherences. Among these, 24 studies were included in the analysis for primary (5) and secondary (19) medication adherence. Pooled relative medication redemption difference was RD = 8% (95% CI: 6-11%) among the intervention groups. Age, intervention, provider setting, and IDF region were determinant factors of primary medication adherence. About two-thirds of the studies revealed that interventions were effective in improving secondary medication adherence.

Conclusion

Both primary and secondary medications were enhanced by a variety of public health interventions for patients worldwide. However, there is a scarcity of studies on primary medication adherence globally, and in resource-limited settings for the type of adherences.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40200-021-00878-0.

The effect of family-based intervention for adults with diabetes on HbA1c and other health-related outcomes: Systematic review and meta-analysis

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the effectiveness of family-based intervention for adults with diabetes on glycosylated haemoglobin and other health-related outcomes.

BACKGROUND

The impact of family-based intervention on adults with diabetes has been evaluated in various studies, but there is uncertainty about their effect on health-related outcomes for adults with diabetes.

DESIGN

A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials.

METHODS

A review was performed and reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) checklist. Six relevant databases were searched from inception to 5 March 2021. Heterogeneity between studies was quantified by using Higgins' I² test. Sensibility and subgroup analyses were used to explore potential heterogeneity.

RESULTS

The review included 23 studies (3,114 participants). Family-based intervention had a significant effect on improving glycosylated haemoglobin levels, body mass index, blood pressure, fasting glucose, diabetes self-care, diabetes self-efficacy, diabetes distress and positive family support. Non-significant results were obtained for blood lipid, body weight, depression and negative family support. In particular, subgroup analyses indicated that family-based intervention in Asian regions was more effective in improving glycosylated haemoglobin levels than in other areas.

CONCLUSION

Family-based intervention may improve diabetes control, diabetes self-care, psychological well-being and positive family support in adults with diabetes and is especially effective in Asian regions. Given the limitations in current studies, further studies are recommended to combine family theory with family-based intervention, and to examine the effectiveness of such intervention for family members.

RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE

This review and meta-analysis provides evidence that family-based intervention can improve positive family support, which has a good effect on diabetes control and psychological well-being in adults with diabetes, and it is especially effective in Asian regions. Findings suggested that unreinforced participation by family members and integrating flexible strategies into family-based intervention may be equally effective.

Health education interventions to promote health literacy in adults with selected non-communicable diseases living in low-to-middle income countries: A systematic review and meta-analysis

RATIONALE, AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

Health illiteracy is an important contributor to the burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs); in particular in settings where health illiteracy is part of a perpetuating system of risk factors. Interventions that promote health literacy may provide an important tool in the primary and secondary prevention of NCDs. The objective of this systematic review was to evaluate the effectiveness of health literacy interventions on health literacy in the management of patients with selected NCDs living in low-to-middle income countries (LMIC).

METHODS

Seven electronic databases were searched (October 29, 2020) for RCTs aimed at improving health literacy in adults with NCDs in LMICs. Eligible NCDs included those pertaining to cancer, cardiovascular disease (CVD), chronic respiratory disease (CRD) or Diabetes. Studies were included that explicitly focussed on improving health literacy, and reported comprehensive measures of health literacy, or components thereof (ie, knowledge, attitude or behaviour). Random-effect meta-analyses were conducted for continuous outcome measures (Hedges-g).

RESULTS

The completed search yielded 2573 unique results of which 53 unique studies met the inclusion criteria. Studies included patients with cancer (n = 1, 2%), CRD (n = 8, 15%), CVD (n = 11, 21%) or Diabetes (n = 33, 62%). A significant (P < .01) summary effect was found for disease knowledge (SES = 1.27 [n = 23, 95%CI = 1.05-1.49]), attitude (SES = 1.17 [n = 20, 95%CI = 0.88-1.47]), and behaviour (SES = 1.20 [n = 31, 95%CI = 0.94-1.46]).

CONCLUSIONS

These results support the conclusion that there is compelling evidence, in particular, for patients with Diabetes, that health-literacy interventions are effective in promoting disease knowledge, attitude and behaviour across four chronic conditions that drive the burden of NCDs.

Telephone intervention in self-care practices with the feet of patients with diabetes: a randomized clinical trial

OBJECTIVE

To assess the effect of a telephone intervention for self-care practices with the feet of people with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

METHOD

This is a randomized clinical trial with two groups, control and intervention, carried out with 102 users with type 2 diabetes mellitus linked to four Basic Health Units in a municipality in the state of Piauí. For the intervention group, six telephone interventions were carried out in three months; and the control group received only conventional follow-up. For assessment, a form was applied before and after the intervention period.

RESULTS

In the intragroup analysis, when comparing self-care practices with the feet in the control group in the pre- and post-tests, there was no significant difference (p > 0.05); in the intervention group, there was an increase in self-care practices in 70% of the items, with p < 0.001 to 0.03. When analyzing the practice of intergroup self-care after the telephone intervention, the positive effect of the intervention was evidenced, obtaining statistically significant differences in 60% of the items, with a value of p < 0.001 to 0.031.

CONCLUSION

The telephone intervention promoted greater adherence to self-care practices with the feet of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Brazilian Clinical Trials Registry: RBR-3pq5th.

Movement is Improvement: The Therapeutic Effects of Exercise and General Physical Activity on Glycemic Control in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

INTRODUCTION

Exercise is considered a cornerstone in achieving an optimized blood glucose level and reducing body weight, body mass index (BMI), and waist circumference. This study aimed to investigate and quantitatively summarize the literature regarding the therapeutic effects of exercise and general physical activity on glycemic control.

METHODS

A systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature on the therapeutic effects of exercise on glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (type 2 DM) were conducted using electronic databases. Studies with an exercise intervention lasting more than 8 weeks were included. Both qualitative and quantitative analyses were performed. Qualitative data were presented narratively in table form. Quantitative analysis was performed using a random-effects model with a 95% confidence interval and a significance level of 0.05. The Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale and the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 (RoB2) tool were used to assess the quality of evidence and the risk of bias.

RESULTS

A total of 21,559 articles were identified through different databases. Out of 21559 studies, only 32 randomized controlled trials were deemed eligible for inclusion in this study. The average exercise session was 45.15 min, while the average follow-up duration was 21.94 weeks. The mean exercise frequency according to our findings was 3.25 days/week. Almost all the studies reported decreases in glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c; P < 0.0001), fasting blood glucose (P = 0.03), BMI (P = 0.04), and waist circumference (P = 0.007) after the exercise intervention.

CONCLUSION

Exercise plays an important role in optimizing glycemic control and improving quality of life (QoL), BMI, and waist circumference in type 2 DM patients. Exercise could be a safe adjunct therapy to medical treatments in these patients.

REGISTRATION

PROSPERO: CRD42020210816.

Effect of Telemetric Interventions on Glycated Hemoglobin A1c and Management of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: Systematic Meta-Review

Background

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic burden, with a prevalence that is increasing worldwide. Telemetric interventions have attracted great interest and may provide effective new therapeutic approaches for improving type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) care.

Objective

The objective of this study was to analyze the clinical effectiveness of telemetric interventions on glycated hemoglobin A_1c (HbA_1c) specifically and T2DM management generally in a systematic meta-review.

Methods

A systematic literature search was performed in PubMed, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, Web of Science Core Collection, and EMBASE databases from January 2008 to April 2020. Studies that addressed HbA_1c, blood pressure, fasting blood glucose, BMI, diabetes-related and health-related quality of life, cost-effectiveness, time savings, and the clinical effectiveness of telemetric interventions were analyzed. In total, 73 randomized controlled trials (RCTs), 10 systematic reviews/meta-analyses, 9 qualitative studies, 2 cohort studies, 2 nonrandomized controlled studies, 2 observational studies, and 1 noncontrolled intervention study were analyzed.

Results

Overall, 1647 citations were identified. After careful screening, 99 studies (n=15,939 patients; n=82,436 patient cases) were selected by two independent reviewers for inclusion in the review. Telemetric interventions were categorized according to communication channels to health care providers: (1) “real-time video” interventions, (2) “real-time audio” interventions, (3) “asynchronous” interventions, and (4) “combined” interventions. To analyze changes in HbA_1c, suitable RCTs were pooled and the average was determined. An HbA_1c decrease of –1.15% (95% CI –1.84% to –0.45%), yielding an HbA_1c value of 6.95% (SD 0.495), was shown in studies using 6-month “real-time video” interventions.

Conclusions

Telemetric interventions clearly improve HbA_1c values in both the short term and the long term and contribute to the effective management of T2DM. More studies need to be done in greater detail.

Telemedicine to deliver diabetes care in low- and middle-income countries: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Objective

To determine the effectiveness of telemedicine in the delivery of diabetes care in low- and middle-income countries.

Methods

We searched seven databases up to July 2020 for randomized controlled trials investigating the effectiveness of telemedicine in the delivery of diabetes care in low- and middle-income countries. We extracted data on the study characteristics, primary end-points and effect sizes of outcomes. Using random effects analyses, we ran a series of meta-analyses for both biochemical outcomes and related patient properties.

Findings

We included 31 interventions in our meta-analysis. We observed significant standardized mean differences of −0.38 for glycated haemoglobin (95% confidence interval, CI: −0.52 to −0.23; I² = 86.70%), −0.20 for fasting blood sugar (95% CI: −0.32 to −0.08; I² = 64.28%), 0.81 for adherence to treatment (95% CI: 0.19 to 1.42; I² = 93.75%), 0.55 for diabetes knowledge (95% CI: −0.10 to 1.20; I² = 92.65%) and 1.68 for self-efficacy (95% CI: 1.06 to 2.30; I² = 97.15%). We observed no significant treatment effects for other outcomes, with standardized mean differences of −0.04 for body mass index (95% CI: −0.13 to 0.05; I² = 35.94%), −0.06 for total cholesterol (95% CI: −0.16 to 0.04; I² = 59.93%) and −0.02 for triglycerides (95% CI: −0.12 to 0.09; I² = 0%). Interventions via telephone and short message service yielded the highest treatment effects compared with services based on telemetry and smartphone applications.

Conclusion

Although we determined that telemedicine is effective in improving several diabetes-related outcomes, the certainty of evidence was very low due to substantial heterogeneity and risk of bias.

Are We Getting What We Really Want? A Systematic Review of Concordance Between Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST) Documentation and Subsequent Care Delivered at End-of-Life

BACKGROUND

Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatments (POLST) is an advance care planning (ACP) tool that is designed to facilitate End-of-Life (EoL) care discussions between a medical provider and a terminally ill patient. It is often used as a tool to translate care wishes into a medical order, which can be honored across healthcare settings. With an increased utilization of the POLST paradigm in various healthcare settings along with continued dissemination across the nation, it is critical to examine whether documented wishes on POLST are concordant with subsequent care delivered. Purpose of this article was to examine concordance rate between POLST and subsequent care delivered in any care settings and communities.

DESIGN

Systematic review.

RESULTS

Of 1,406 articles identified, 10 articles met inclusion criteria. Together, included studies represent 5,688 POLST forms reviewed from individuals residing in a total of 126 nursing care facilities, 9 elderly care centers, 4 community settings, and 2 hospitals. Preference for cardiopulmonary resuscitation and actual delivery/ withholding of resuscitation was the most observed intervention in study of concordance (n = 8). It is also where highest concordance rate (97.5%) was reported. Seven studies compared care provided during EoL and the level of medical intervention requested on POLST forms (91.17% concordance). Preference to use artificial nutrition/ hydration, and actual delivery was 93.0% (n = 4 studies), and antibiotics use preference and delivery was 96.5% (reported in 4 studies).

CONCLUSION

Published literature evidence suggests that EoL care wishes documented on POLST forms were largely concordant with subsequent care delivered. Additional research is needed to evaluate concordance between POLST documentation and care received among POLST users, who experienced multiple care transitions across healthcare settings, or across state during EoL care journey.

The Impact of a Community-Based Food Education Program on Nutrition-Related Knowledge in Middle-Aged and Older Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: Results of a Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of a community-based food education program on nutrition-related knowledge in middle-aged and older patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D). Participants (n = 36; 65.9 ± 6.0 years old) were recruited in primary health care to a 9-month community-based lifestyle intervention program for patients with T2D and randomly assigned to an exercise program (control group; n = 16) or an exercise program plus a food education program (experimental group; n = 20). Nutrition-related knowledge was assessed through a modified version of the General Nutrition Knowledge Questionnaire. The increase in total nutrition-related knowledge score and sources of nutrients area score was significantly higher in the experimental group compared to the control group. No significant changes in nutrition-related knowledge were found between groups in dietary recommendations and diet-disease relationship areas, although improvements were observed. This community-based food education program, with the use of easy to implement strategies (short-duration lectures and dual-task problem solving activities during exercise), had a positive and encouraging impact on nutrition-related knowledge in middle-aged and older patients with T2D.

Hand Hygiene Practices Among Adults with Diabetes Living in Communities: The 2015 Korea Community Health Survey

Hand hygiene is the most effective strategy to prevent infectious diseases. This study investigated and compared the hand hygiene practices of adults with diabetes and an age- and gender-matched comparison group. Adults with diabetes (n = 22,920) who participated in the 2015 Korea Community Health Survey and an appropriate comparison group (n = 22,920) were selected. Descriptive analyses, chi-square tests, and multiple logistic regression analyses were used. Greater than 98% of participants with diabetes recognized that hand hygiene helps prevent infectious diseases. Among participants with diabetes, 84.3%, 82.4%, 72.5%, and 64.1% washed their hands frequently before eating, after using the restroom, after returning from the outdoors, and with soap or hand sanitizer, respectively, but these values were significantly lower than those of the comparison group. After performing multiple regression analyses, treatments for diabetes, being educated about diabetes management and handwashing, and awareness of hemoglobin A1c levels were significantly associated with hand hygiene practices in participants with diabetes. Almost all people with diabetes were aware of the efficacy of hand hygiene, but handwashing rates were significantly lower in people with diabetes than in the comparison group. Considering treatments for diabetes, educational campaigns regarding handwashing, and increasing awareness of handwashing efficacy will help improve hand hygiene in people with diabetes.

Short-term efficacy of high intensity group and individual education in patients with type 2 diabetes: a randomized single-center trial

PURPOSE

The aim of this randomized study was to examine the efficacy of two high intensity educational programs: the conversation maps-based (CM™) education and the individual education (IE), compared to usual care (UC) in a cohort of type 2 diabetic (T2DM) patients.

METHODS

Ninety T2DM outpatients (30 per group) were randomized and 79 finished the study and were analyzed. The CM™ and IE groups received four educational sessions at 0, 4, 8 and 12 weeks, while the UC group received two brief individual sessions at 0 and 12 weeks. We evaluated glycemic control (HbA1c), diabetes treatment, body mass index (BMI) and carried out a questionnaire survey at three time points (before intervention, at 12 and at 32 weeks) to assess patients' satisfaction, attitudes toward diabetes and dietary knowledge.

RESULTS

All the three groups showed a significant and comparable reduction of both HbA1c and BMI. Diabetes therapy needed to be reinforced in a higher percentage of cases (39.3%) among UC patients compared to the IE (14.8%; p = 0.04) and the CM™ (8.3%; p = 0.01) groups. At 32 weeks Diabetes Treatment Satisfaction (DTSQ Q1 + Q4-8) significantly improved in the CM™ group (25.8 ± 4.5 vs. 22.4 ± 6.0; p < 0.01) and attitudes toward diabetes (ATT19) significantly improved in the IE group (58.0 ± 4.7 vs. 55.3 ± 5.1; p = 0.02).

CONCLUSIONS

Our trial provides preliminary data regarding the efficacy of structured group and individual education on achieving better glyco-metabolic control without drug therapy reinforcement and with positive effects on patients' attitude and treatment satisfaction.

Comparing the effects of face-to-face and telenursing education on the quality of family caregivers caring in patients with cancer

BACKGROUND

Taking care of patients with cancer is often done at home and by family caregivers. However, these groups do not receive the necessary education regarding care at home.

OBJECTIVES

The present study aimed to compare the effects of face-to-face and telenursing training methods on the quality of services provided by the family caregiver for patients with cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 103 family caregivers of patients with cancer were randomly divided into 3 groups: control (N = 35), face to face (N = 34), and telenursing (N = 34). The control group only received the routine training, and the face-to-face and telenursing groups were trained for 12 weeks. Quality of care was measured using a questionnaire before and after intervention. Chi-square, Fisher's exact, and analysis of variance tests were used for data analysis.

RESULTS

After intervention, the average total quality score for the care of patients in face-to-face (166.13 ± 13.91) and telenursing (157.76 ± 17.24) groups was significantly higher than the control group (82.51 ± 16.84) (P < 0.001). In addition, the average psychosocial care score for face-to-face group (49.06 ± 6.05) was significantly higher than telenursing group (43.83 ± 6.15) (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The results of the study showed that the two methods of training were effective on the quality of care among family caregivers of patients with cancer to a similar extent.

Effectiveness of Systematic Health Education Model for Type 2 Diabetes Patients

BACKGROUND

Health education is considered to be essential in the overall care of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM); systematic health education integrates individual education not only during hospitalization but also extended care outside of a hospital. To test effectiveness of the systematic health education model for T2DM, we conducted a randomized study with a control group among patients with T2DM living in Nanjing, China.

METHODS

998 eligible patients completed the enrollment and were randomized to systematic health education model and conventional model groups (498 and 500 patients, resp.). The systematic health education model was based on the following aspects: image education, visitation of the exhibition hall, dissemination of educational materials, individualized medical nutrition therapy and exercise programs, WeChat group and regular health lectures, evaluation of complications, lifestyle modification, systematic treatment scheme, self-monitoring of glycemic control, monthly evaluation of the therapeutic effect, proposed improvement measures, and individualized follow-up scheme. The main outcome measures were glycated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), blood pressure, body mass index (BMI), and lipids during the 2-year follow-up.

RESULTS

The systematic health education model led to a favorable variation in HbA1c, LDL cholesterol, and systolic blood pressure (SBP) (P < 0.05). After adjusted analysis, the HbA1c decreased by 0.67% (P < 0.01) in the systematic health education model, SBP decreased by 10.83 mmHg (P < 0.01), and the level of diastolic blood pressure (DBP), HDL cholesterol, and total cholesterol decreased slightly and was not significant. The BMI did not change significantly during the study in either of the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The systematic health education model is a useful method in the treatment of T2DM because it contributes to decrease in HbA1c, LDL cholesterol, and SBP levels, as well as helps in increasing the compliance with the control criteria, except for DBP and BMI.