Improving Self-Care in Patients With Coexisting Type 2 Diabetes and Hypertension by Technological Surrogate Nursing: Randomized Controlled Trial

Examining the impact of internet-enabled nursing practices, guided by specialist nurses on patients with hypertension and their caregivers

PURPOSE

To aim of this study is to assess the impact of an internet-enabled nursing model, led by specialized nurses within a framework of multidisciplinary collaboration, on both, patients diagnosed with hypertension, and their respective caregivers.

METHODS

A total of 158 patients with hypertension, along with their corresponding caregivers, were meticulously selected and paired. By using a random number table method, participants were allocated into either a control group or an observation group. The control group received conventional health education, blood pressure monitoring, and routine telephone follow-ups administered by designated nurses. Conversely, patients in the observation group underwent treatment within an internet-enabled nursing model, led by specialist nurses within a multidisciplinary collaborative framework. Parameters including systolic and diastolic blood pressure readings of the patients, as well as their scores in compliance with the hypertension treatment, quality of life, and caregiving proficiency of family members, which were meticulously documented prior to intervention (T0), as well as at 3- and 6-month intervals post-intervention (T1 and T2).

RESULTS

Statistically significant differences were observed in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure levels among patients, as well as in their scores reflecting compliance with hypertension treatment, quality of life, and caregiving proficiency of family members, when comparing pre- and post-intervention periods within each group, across groups, and within the interaction effect (p < 0.05). Also, there were statistically significant differences in the aforementioned parameters between the two groups at adjacent time points (p < 0.05). Specifically, patients within the observation group exhibited notable reductions in systolic and diastolic blood pressure levels at both T1 and T2, alongside heightened scores indicative of enhanced compliance with hypertension treatment, enhanced quality of life, and increased caregiving proficiency among family members, when compared to patients within the control group (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The implementation of an internet-enabled nursing model, overseen by specialized nurses within a framework of multidisciplinary collaboration, demonstrates superior efficacy in preserving the stability of blood pressure among patients with hypertension. This model significantly enhances patient compliance with treatment regimens, enhances their overall quality of life, and fosters heightened caregiving proficiency among their respective caregivers.

Smartphone application-based intervention to lower blood pressure: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Nowadays, the mHealth market is flooded with smartphone applications (apps) lacking validation for blood pressure (BP)-lowering effects and BP measurement accuracy. This systematic review for Guidelines for BP control using digital technologies of the Japanese Society of Hypertension aimed to assess the validation studies of apps. We searched eligible studies in Ovid MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, and Ichushi, focusing on randomized controlled trials and observational studies comparing the effects of smartphone app-based interventions with non-digital healthcare. Random effects models of meta-analysis were employed to estimate the pooled effects of mean BP change and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Out of 7385 studies screened, 76 studies with 46,459 participants were included. The interventions were significantly associated with a reduction in office systolic and diastolic BP at six months (systolic BP, -2.76 mmHg, 95% CI: -3.94 to -1.58; diastolic BP, -1.23 mmHg, -1.80 to -0.67). Normotensives saw a significant reduction in office systolic BP at three-month (-4.44 mmHg, -6.96 to -1.92), diminishing afterward (six-month, 0.86 mmHg, -2.81 to 4.52; twelve-month, 0.86 mmHg, -2.81 to 4.52). Conversely, hypertensive participants experienced a significant reduction in office systolic BP at both three- and six-month (three-month, -7.71 mmHg, -10.63 to -4.79; six-month, -1.88 mmHg, -3.41 to -0.35), albeit with limited evidence thereafter. A larger BP reduction was observed among participants using apps with wireless transmission of BP measurements (P = 0.047 for interaction), while there was no clear difference in BP reduction according to the presence of other functions. Smartphone app-based interventions may hold the potential to improve BP levels.

Effectiveness of digital health interventions for telemedicine/telehealth for managing blood pressure in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis

This systematic review and meta-analysis included randomized controlled trials or observational studies that compare digital health interventions (DHIs) for telemedicine/telehealth versus usual care for managing blood pressure (BP) in adults. We searched PubMed, Cochrane CENTRAL, and IchuShi-Web, and used a random-effects meta-analysis of the weighted mean difference (MD) between the comparison groups to pool data from the included studies. The outcome included the pooled MD of office BP from baseline to each follow-up period. This meta-analysis considered 117 studies with 68677 participants as eligible. The 3-month intervention period reduced office systolic BP (SBP) compared with usual care in 38 studies (MD: -3.21 mmHg [95% confidence interval: -4.51 to -1.90]), with evidence of heterogeneity. Office SBP across intervention periods demonstrated comparable effects (3-, 6- [54 studies], 12- [43 studies], and >12-month periods [9 studies]). The benefits for office diastolic BP were similar to those for office SBP. Additionally, the interventions significantly reduced the office SBP compared with the control, regardless of the mode of intervention delivery (smartphone apps [38 studies], text messages [35 studies], and websites [34 studies]) or type of facility (medical [74 studies] vs. non-medical [33 studies]). The interventions were more effective in 41 hypertension cohorts compared with 66 non-hypertension cohorts (-4.81 mmHg [-6.33, -3.29] vs. -2.17 mmHg [-3.15, -1.19], P = 0.006 for heterogeneity). In conclusion, DHIs for telemedicine/telehealth improved BP management compared with usual care. The effectiveness with heterogeneity should be considered, as prudent for implementing evidence-based medicine. This meta-analysis considered 117 studies with 68677 participants eligible. The DHIs for telemedicine/telehealth reduced office BP compared with usual care, regardless of intervention duration, intervention delivery mode, facility type, and cohort type. Additionally, the DHIs reduced the risk of uncontrolled BP compared with usual care, regardless of intervention duration, intervention delivery mode, and facility type. BP blood pressure, DHI digital health intervention, MD mean difference, RR risk ratio, SBP systolic blood pressure.

Effects of digital self-care intervention for Korean older adults with type 2 diabetes: A randomized controlled trial over 12 weeks

This study developed and assessed the impact of a digitally enabled self-care intervention program tailored for older adults with type 2 diabetes led by nursing professionals. A randomized controlled trial of a 12-week digital self-care intervention was conducted with 105 older Korean adults with type 2 diabetes. The intervention involved self-recording in the DiaNote application, newly developed for the study and a phone visit. Participants were randomly allocated to DiaNote or traditional logbook groups. Outcomes were collected at baseline and again after 12 weeks. Generalized estimating equations indicated that HbA1c level changes over time significantly in DiaNote group. Diabetes self-care activities and quality of life changed over time in both groups. Self-efficacy did not significantly differ between groups or over time. The digital self-care intervention was beneficial for blood sugar control, being equivalent to using a traditional diabetes logbook for quality of life and diabetic self-care.

Self-management challenges and support needs among patients with primary glaucoma: a qualitative study

BACKGROUND

Self-management plays an important role in the disease management of glaucoma patients. The effectiveness of the program can be improved by assessing the patient's perspective and needs to tailor self-management support. Most studies have focused on assessing one of these self-management behaviours, such as medication adherence, and there is a lack of systematic assessment of the support needs and challenges of self-management for patients with glaucoma. Therefore, in this study, we conducted an in-depth investigation into the self-management challenges and support needs of patients with primary glaucoma, providing a basis for nursing staff to implement self-management support.

METHOD

The phenomenological method and semistructured interviews were used in this study. A total of 20 patients with primary glaucoma were recruited between June and December 2022. Colaizzi's analysis method was used to analyse the interview data.

RESULTS

Challenges for patients include becoming an expert in glaucoma, managing negative emotions, adapting to daily life changes and resuming social activities. To address these challenges, four themes of patient self-management support needs were identified: (1) health information support, (2) social support, (3) psychological support, and (4) daily living support.

CONCLUSION

Patients with primary glaucoma experience varying degrees of challenge in dealing with medical, emotional, and social aspects. Comprehending the support needs of patients, healthcare professionals should deliver targeted, personalized and comprehensive self-management interventions to enhance their capacity of patients to perform self-management and improve their quality of life.

KIT 1 (Keep in Touch) Project-Televisits for Cancer Patients during Italian Lockdown for COVID-19 Pandemic: The Real-World Experience of Establishing a Telemedicine System

To evaluate the adoption of an integrated eHealth platform for televisit/monitoring/consultation during the COVID-19 pandemic.

METHODS

During the lockdown imposed by the Italian government during the COVID19 pandemic spread, a dedicated multi-professional working group was set up in the Radiation Oncology Department with the primary aim of reducing patients' exposure to COVID-19 by adopting de-centralized/remote consultation methodologies. Each patient's clinical history was screened before the visit to assess if a traditional clinical visit would be recommended or if a remote evaluation was to be preferred. Real world data (RWD) in the form of patient-reported outcomes (PROMs) and patient reported experiences (PREMs) were collected from patients who underwent televisit/teleconsultation through the eHealth platform.

RESULTS

During the lockdown period (from 8 March to 4 May 2020) a total of 1956 visits were managed. A total of 983 (50.26%) of these visits were performed via email (to apply for and to upload of documents) and phone call management; 31 visits (1.58%) were performed using the eHealth system. Substantially, all patients found the eHealth platform useful and user-friendly, consistently indicating that this type of service would also be useful after the pandemic.

CONCLUSIONS

The rapid implementation of an eHealth system was feasible and well-accepted by the patients during the pandemic. However, we believe that further evidence is to be generated to further support large-scale adoption.

Quality improvement strategies for diabetes care: Effects on outcomes for adults living with diabetes

BACKGROUND

There is a large body of evidence evaluating quality improvement (QI) programmes to improve care for adults living with diabetes. These programmes are often comprised of multiple QI strategies, which may be implemented in various combinations. Decision-makers planning to implement or evaluate a new QI programme, or both, need reliable evidence on the relative effectiveness of different QI strategies (individually and in combination) for different patient populations.

OBJECTIVES

To update existing systematic reviews of diabetes QI programmes and apply novel meta-analytical techniques to estimate the effectiveness of QI strategies (individually and in combination) on diabetes quality of care.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched databases (CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase and CINAHL) and trials registers (ClinicalTrials.gov and WHO ICTRP) to 4 June 2019. We conducted a top-up search to 23 September 2021; we screened these search results and 42 studies meeting our eligibility criteria are available in the awaiting classification section.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included randomised trials that assessed a QI programme to improve care in outpatient settings for people living with diabetes. QI programmes needed to evaluate at least one system- or provider-targeted QI strategy alone or in combination with a patient-targeted strategy. - System-targeted: case management (CM); team changes (TC); electronic patient registry (EPR); facilitated relay of clinical information (FR); continuous quality improvement (CQI). - Provider-targeted: audit and feedback (AF); clinician education (CE); clinician reminders (CR); financial incentives (FI). - Patient-targeted: patient education (PE); promotion of self-management (PSM); patient reminders (PR). Patient-targeted QI strategies needed to occur with a minimum of one provider or system-targeted strategy.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

We dual-screened search results and abstracted data on study design, study population and QI strategies. We assessed the impact of the programmes on 13 measures of diabetes care, including: glycaemic control (e.g. mean glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c)); cardiovascular risk factor management (e.g. mean systolic blood pressure (SBP), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), proportion of people living with diabetes that quit smoking or receiving cardiovascular medications); and screening/prevention of microvascular complications (e.g. proportion of patients receiving retinopathy or foot screening); and harms (e.g. proportion of patients experiencing adverse hypoglycaemia or hyperglycaemia). We modelled the association of each QI strategy with outcomes using a series of hierarchical multivariable meta-regression models in a Bayesian framework. The previous version of this review identified that different strategies were more or less effective depending on baseline levels of outcomes. To explore this further, we extended the main additive model for continuous outcomes (HbA1c, SBP and LDL-C) to include an interaction term between each strategy and average baseline risk for each study (baseline thresholds were based on a data-driven approach; we used the median of all baseline values reported in the trials). Based on model diagnostics, the baseline interaction models for HbA1c, SBP and LDL-C performed better than the main model and are therefore presented as the primary analyses for these outcomes. Based on the model results, we qualitatively ordered each QI strategy within three tiers (Top, Middle, Bottom) based on its magnitude of effect relative to the other QI strategies, where 'Top' indicates that the QI strategy was likely one of the most effective strategies for that specific outcome. Secondary analyses explored the sensitivity of results to choices in model specification and priors.  Additional information about the methods and results of the review are available as Appendices in an online repository. This review will be maintained as a living systematic review; we will update our syntheses as more data become available.

MAIN RESULTS

We identified 553 trials (428 patient-randomised and 125 cluster-randomised trials), including a total of 412,161 participants. Of the included studies, 66% involved people living with type 2 diabetes only. Participants were 50% female and the median age of participants was 58.4 years. The mean duration of follow-up was 12.5 months. HbA1c was the commonest reported outcome; screening outcomes and outcomes related to cardiovascular medications, smoking and harms were reported infrequently. The most frequently evaluated QI strategies across all study arms were PE, PSM and CM, while the least frequently evaluated QI strategies included AF, FI and CQI. Our confidence in the evidence is limited due to a lack of information on how studies were conducted.  Four QI strategies (CM, TC, PE, PSM) were consistently identified as 'Top' across the majority of outcomes. All QI strategies were ranked as 'Top' for at least one key outcome. The majority of effects of individual QI strategies were modest, but when used in combination could result in meaningful population-level improvements across the majority of outcomes. The median number of QI strategies in multicomponent QI programmes was three.  Combinations of the three most effective QI strategies were estimated to lead to the below effects:  - PR + PSM + CE: decrease in HbA1c by 0.41% (credibility interval (CrI) -0.61 to -0.22) when baseline HbA1c < 8.3%; - CM + PE + EPR: decrease in HbA1c by 0.62% (CrI -0.84 to -0.39) when baseline HbA1c > 8.3%;  - PE + TC + PSM: reduction in SBP by 2.14 mmHg (CrI -3.80 to -0.52) when baseline SBP < 136 mmHg; - CM + TC + PSM: reduction in SBP by 4.39 mmHg (CrI -6.20 to -2.56) when baseline SBP > 136 mmHg;  - TC + PE + CM: LDL-C lowering of 5.73 mg/dL (CrI -7.93 to -3.61) when baseline LDL < 107 mg/dL; - TC + CM + CR: LDL-C lowering by 5.52 mg/dL (CrI -9.24 to -1.89) when baseline LDL > 107 mg/dL. Assuming a baseline screening rate of 50%, the three most effective QI strategies were estimated to lead to an absolute improvement of 33% in retinopathy screening (PE + PR + TC) and 38% absolute increase in foot screening (PE + TC + Other).

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

There is a significant body of evidence about QI programmes to improve the management of diabetes. Multicomponent QI programmes for diabetes care (comprised of effective QI strategies) may achieve meaningful population-level improvements across the majority of outcomes. For health system decision-makers, the evidence summarised in this review can be used to identify strategies to include in QI programmes. For researchers, this synthesis identifies higher-priority QI strategies to examine in further research regarding how to optimise their evaluation and effects. We will maintain this as a living systematic review.

Development and evaluation of DiabeText, a personalized mHealth intervention to support medication adherence and lifestyle change behaviour in patients with type 2 diabetes in Spain: A mixed-methods phase II pragmatic randomized controlled clinical trial

BACKGROUND

Despite the increasing interest in text-messaging interventions to support healthcare delivery, the available evidence about their effectiveness is still limited.

OBJECTIVES

1) to develop DiabeText, an intervention delivering automated, tailored brief text messages to support diabetes self-management; 2) to explore the potential impact of DiabeText on self-management behavior and glycaemic control, and; 3) to examine the feasibility of conducting a future phase III randomized clinical trial to evaluate the effectiveness of DiabeText.

METHODS

3-month, two-arm, randomized feasibility trial (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04738591) with patients with type 2 diabetes (HbA1c > 8%). Participants were allocated to the control (usual care) or DiabeText group (usual care + five text messages per week). Outcomes were: recruitment rate; follow-up rate, missing data; medication adherence; adherence to Mediterranean diet; physical activity; and HbA1c. In addition, after delivering the intervention, we conducted a qualitative study involving 14 semi-structured interviews with participants allocated to the DiabeText group, to understand their views about the intervention.

RESULTS

From 444 screened people, we recruited 207 participants (recruitment rate = 47%), of which 179 completed the post-intervention interview (follow-up rate = 86%). We sent 7,355 SMS during the intervention period, of which 99% successfully reached the participants. At post-intervention, DiabeText was associated with non-statistically significant (p > 0.05) improvements in adherence to medication (OR = 2.0; 95%CI 1.0 to 4.2), Mediterranean diet (1.7; 0.9 to 3.2), and physical activity (1.7; 0.9 to 3.1). No between-group differences were observed in mean HbA1c (p = 0.670). The qualitative study indicated that participants perceived DiabeText as a helpful resource because it increased their awareness about the importance of adequate self-management and the sense of being cared for.

CONCLUSIONS

DiabeText is the first system in Spain to integrate patient-generated and routinely collected clinical data to deliver tailored text messages to support diabetes self-management. More robust trials are needed to determine its effectiveness and cost-efficacy.

Effectiveness, reach, uptake, and feasibility of digital health interventions for adults with type 2 diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials

BACKGROUND

Digital health interventions have shown promising results for the management of type 2 diabetes, but a comparison of the effectiveness and implementation of the different modes is not currently available. Therefore, this study aimed to compare the effectiveness of SMS, smartphone application, and website-based interventions on improving glycaemia in adults with type 2 diabetes and report on their reach, uptake, and feasibility.

METHODS

In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched CINAHL, Cochrane Central, Embase, MEDLINE, and PsycInfo on May 25, 2022, for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that examined the effectiveness of digital health interventions in reducing glycated haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) in adults with type 2 diabetes, published in English from Jan 1, 2009. Screening was carried out using Covidence, and data were extracted following Cochrane's guidelines. The primary endpoint assessed was the change in the mean (and 95% CI) plasma concentration of HbA1c at 3 months or more. Cochrane risk of bias 2 was used to assess risk of bias. Data on reach, uptake, and feasibility were summarised narratively and data on HbA1c reduction were synthesised in a meta-analysis. Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation criteria was used to evaluate the level of evidence. The study was registered with PROSPERO, CRD42021247845.

FINDINGS

Of the 3236 records identified, 56 RCTs from 24 regions (n=11 486 participants), were included in the narrative synthesis, and 26 studies (n=4546 participants) in the meta-analysis. 20 studies used SMS as the primary mode of delivery of the digital health intervention, 25 used smartphone applications, and 11 implemented interventions via websites. Smartphone application interventions reported higher reach compared with SMS and website-based interventions, but website-based interventions reported higher uptake compared with SMS and smartphone application interventions. Effective interventions, in general, included people with greater severity of their condition at baseline (ie, higher HbA1c) and administration of a higher dose intensity of the intervention, such as more frequent use of smartphone applications. Overall, digital health intervention group participants had a -0·30 (95% CI -0·42 to -0·19) percentage point greater reduction in HbA1c, compared with control group participants. The difference in HbA1c reduction between groups was statistically significant when interventions were delivered through smartphone applications (-0·42% [-0·63 to -0·20]) and via SMS (-0·37% [-0·57 to -0·17]), but not when delivered via websites (-0·09% [-0·64 to 0·46]). Due to the considerable heterogeneity between included studies, the level of evidence was moderate overall.

INTERPRETATION

Smartphone application and SMS interventions, but not website-based interventions, were associated with better glycaemic control. However, the studies' heterogeneity should be recognised. Considering that both smartphone application and SMS interventions are effective for diabetes management, clinicians should consider factors such as reach, uptake, patient preference, and context of the intervention when deciding on the mode of delivery of the intervention. Nine in ten people worldwide own a feature phone and can receive SMS and four in five people have access to a smartphone, with numerous smartphone applications being available for diabetes management. Clinicians should familiarise themselves with this modality of programme delivery and encourage people with type 2 diabetes to use evidence-based applications for improving their self-management of diabetes. Future research needs to describe in detail the mediators and moderators of the effectiveness and implementation of SMS and smartphone application interventions, such as the optimal dose, frequency, timing, user interface, and communication mode to both further improve their effectiveness and to increase their reach, uptake, and feasibility.

FUNDING

EU's Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation Programme.

Effectiveness, reach, uptake, and feasibility of digital health interventions for adults with hypertension: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials

BACKGROUND

Digital health interventions are effective for hypertension self-management, but a comparison of the effectiveness and implementation of the different modes of interventions is not currently available. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of SMS, smartphone application, and website interventions on improving blood pressure in adults with hypertension, and to report on their reach, uptake, and feasibility.

METHODS

In this systematic review and meta-analysis we searched CINAHL Complete, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Ovid Embase, Ovid MEDLINE, and APA PsycInfo on May 25, 2022, for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) published in English from Jan 1, 2009, that examined the effectiveness of digital health interventions on reducing blood pressure in adults with hypertension. Screening was carried out using Covidence, and data were extracted following Cochrane's guidelines. The primary endpoint was change in the mean of systolic blood pressure. Risk of bias was assessed with Cochrane Risk of Bias 2. Data on systolic and diastolic blood pressure reduction were synthesised in a meta-analysis, and data on reach, uptake and feasibility were summarised narratively. Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation criteria were used to evaluate the level of evidence. The study was registered with PROSPERO CRD42021247845.

FINDINGS

Of the 3235 records identified, 29 RCTs from 13 regions (n=7592 participants) were included in the systematic review, and 28 of these RCTs (n=7092 participants) were included in the meta-analysis. 11 studies used SMS as the primary mode of delivery of the digital health intervention, 13 used smartphone applications, and five used websites. Overall, digital health intervention group participants had a -3·62 mm Hg (95% CI -5·22 to -2·02) greater reduction in systolic blood pressure, and a -2·45 mm Hg (-3·83 to -1·07) greater reduction in diastolic blood pressure, compared with control group participants. No statistically significant differences between the three different modes of delivery were observed for both the systolic (p=0·73) and the diastolic blood pressure (p=0·80) outcomes. Smartphone application interventions had a statistically significant reduction in diastolic blood pressure (-2·45 mm Hg [-4·15 to -0·74]); however, there were no statistically significant reductions for SMS interventions (-1·80 mm Hg [-4·60 to 1·00]) or website interventions (-3·43 mm Hg [-7·24 to 0·38]). Due to the considerable heterogeneity between included studies and the high risk of bias in some, the level of evidence was assigned a low overall score. Interventions were more effective among people with greater severity of hypertension at baseline. SMS interventions reported higher reach and smartphone application studies reported higher uptake, but differences were not statistically significant.

INTERPRETATION

SMS, smartphone application, and website interventions were associated with statistically and clinically significant systolic and diastolic blood pressure reductions, compared with usual care, regardless of the mode of delivery of the intervention. This conclusion is tempered by the considerable heterogeneity of included studies and the high risk of bias in most. Future studies need to describe in detail the mediators and moderators of the effectiveness and implementation of these interventions, to both further improve their effectiveness as well as increase their reach, uptake, and feasibility.

FUNDING

European Union's Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation Programme.

Consumers’ Willingness to Pay for eHealth and Its Influencing Factors: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Background

Despite the great potential of eHealth, substantial costs are involved in its implementation, and it is essential to know whether these costs can be justified by its benefits. Such needs have led to an increased interest in measuring the benefits of eHealth, especially using the willingness to pay (WTP) metric as an accurate proxy for consumers’ perceived benefits of eHealth. This offered us an opportunity to systematically review and synthesize evidence from the literature to better understand WTP for eHealth and its influencing factors.

Objective

This study aimed to provide a systematic review of WTP for eHealth and its influencing factors.

Methods

This study was performed and reported as per the Cochrane Collaboration and PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. PubMed, CINAHL Plus, Cochrane Library, EconLit, and PsycINFO databases were searched from their inception to April 19, 2022. We conducted random-effects meta-analyses to calculate WTP values for eHealth (at 2021 US dollar rates) and meta-regression analyses to examine the factors affecting WTP.

Results

A total of 30 articles representing 35 studies were included in the review. We found that WTP for eHealth varied across studies; when expressed as a 1-time payment, it ranged from US $0.88 to US $191.84, and when expressed as a monthly payment, it ranged from US $5.25 to US $45.64. Meta-regression analyses showed that WTP for eHealth was negatively associated with the percentages of women (β=−.76; P<.001) and positively associated with the percentages of college-educated respondents (β=.63; P<.001) and a country’s gross domestic product per capita (multiples of US $1000; β=.03; P<.001). Compared with eHealth provided through websites, people reported a lower WTP for eHealth provided through asynchronous communication (β=−1.43; P<.001) and a higher WTP for eHealth provided through medical devices (β=.66; P<.001), health apps (β=.25; P=.01), and synchronous communication (β=.58; P<.001). As for the methods used to measure WTP, single-bounded dichotomous choice (β=2.13; P<.001), double-bounded dichotomous choice (β=2.20; P<.001), and payment scale (β=1.11; P<.001) were shown to obtain higher WTP values than the open-ended format. Compared with ex ante evaluations, ex post evaluations were shown to obtain lower WTP values (β=−.37; P<.001).

Conclusions

WTP for eHealth varied significantly depending on the study population, modality used to provide eHealth, and methods used to measure it. WTP for eHealth was lower among certain population segments, suggesting that these segments may be at a disadvantage in terms of accessing and benefiting from eHealth. We also identified the modalities of eHealth that were highly valued by consumers and offered suggestions for the design of eHealth interventions. In addition, we found that different methods of measuring WTP led to significantly different WTP estimates, highlighting the need to undertake further methodological explorations of approaches to elicit WTP values.

Effects of Feedback From Self-Monitoring Devices on Lifestyle Changes in Workers with Diabetes: 3-Month Randomized Controlled Pilot Trial

Background

Although lifestyle interventions are useful in the prevention and management of diabetes, they can be expensive and time-consuming. There is some evidence on the effectiveness of automated mobile technology for health self-monitoring; however, few studies have used such devices in the occupational health field.

Objective

We aimed to examine the effectiveness of a digital self-monitoring device on glucose levels and activity of workers with diabetes in Japan. The primary outcomes were changes in blood glucose levels, and the secondary outcomes were changes in weight and BMI.

Methods

A 2-arm randomized controlled pilot trial was conducted with workers from 23 organizations. The intervention group (n=50) wore an armband activity monitor, a body composition monitor, and a blood pressure monitor for 3 months and received semiautomated weekly email messages tailored to their device data. The control group (n=53) engaged in no self-monitoring. Messages were developed by a physician and a dietician. Postintervention changes in blood glucose levels, weight, and BMI were compared between the intervention and control groups, using blood tests and questionnaires.

Results

At the end of 3 months, the intervention group showed significantly lower blood glucose levels (HbA1c: intervention group mean 6.4% (SD 0.3%) vs control group mean 6.6% (SD 0.3%); Cohen d=0.7, 95% CI 0.2-1.1; P=.009). There were no significant between-group differences in weight and BMI.

Conclusions

Mobile digital self-monitoring was effective in improving blood glucose levels in workers with diabetes. The use of digital health devices is a cost-effective way of implementing health self-monitoring for large numbers of individuals in the workplace. However, due to the large volume of missing values in this study, we need to be careful in interpreting the results, and well-designed intervention studies need to be conducted.

Trial Registration

University Hospital Medical Information Network UMIN000023651; https://upload.umin.ac.jp/cgi-open-bin/icdr/ctr_view_cb.cgi?recptno=R000027244&flwp_key=1008PYbOcXKmk7CAg4Th1FWS

Effectiveness of Using Virtual Reality-Supported Exercise Therapy for Upper Extremity Motor Rehabilitation in Patients With Stroke: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Background

In recent years, efforts have been made to implement virtual reality (VR) to support the delivery of poststroke upper extremity motor rehabilitation exercises. Therefore, it is important to review and analyze the existing research evidence of its effectiveness.

Objective

Through a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials, this study examined the effectiveness of using VR-supported exercise therapy for upper extremity motor rehabilitation in patients with stroke.

Methods

This study followed the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. The CINAHL Plus, MEDLINE, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases were searched on December 31, 2021. Changes in outcomes related to impairments in upper extremity functions and structures, activity limitations, and participation restrictions in life situations from baseline to after intervention, after intervention to follow-up assessment, and baseline to follow-up assessment were examined. Standardized mean differences (SMDs) were calculated using a random-effects model. Subgroup analyses were performed to determine whether the differences in treatment outcomes depended on age, stroke recovery stage, VR program type, therapy delivery format, similarities in intervention duration between study groups, intervention duration in VR groups, and trial length.

Results

A total of 42 publications representing 43 trials (aggregated sample size=1893) were analyzed. Compared with the control groups that used either conventional therapy or no therapy, the intervention groups that used VR to support exercise therapy showed significant improvements in upper extremity motor function (Fugl-Meyer Assessment-Upper Extremity; SMD 0.45, 95% CI 0.21-0.68; P<.001), range of motion (goniometer; SMD 1.01, 95% CI 0.50-1.52; P<.001), muscle strength (Manual Muscle Testing; SMD 0.79, 95% CI 0.28-1.30; P=.002), and independence in day-to-day activities (Functional Independence Measure; SMD 0.23, 95% CI 0.06-0.40; P=.01, and modified Rankin Scale; SMD 0.57, 95% CI 0.01-1.12; P=.046). Significant subgroup differences were observed in hand dexterity (Box and Block Test), spasticity (Ashworth Scale or modified Ashworth Scale), arm and hand motor ability (Wolf Motor Function Test and Manual Function Test), hand motor ability (Jebsen Hand Function Test), and quality of life (Stroke Impact Scale). There was no evidence that the benefits of VR-supported exercise therapy were maintained after the intervention ended.

Conclusions

VR-supported upper extremity exercise therapy can be effective in improving motor rehabilitation results. Our review showed that of the 12 rehabilitation outcomes examined during the course of VR-based therapy, significant improvements were detected in 2 (upper extremity motor function and range of motion), and both significant and nonsignificant improvements were observed in another 2 (muscle strength and independence in day-to-day activities), depending on the measurement tools or methods used.

Trial Registration

PROSPERO CRD42021256826; https://tinyurl.com/2uarftbh

Positive effect of cognitive-behavioral intervention combined with integrated health care on patients with type 2 diabetes

OBJECTIVE

This study was designed to investigate the effects of cognitive-behavioral intervention (CBI) combined with integrated health care (IHC) on glycemic control, adverse mood, health knowledge and self-efficacy in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

METHODS

The clinical data of 115 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus were retrospectively collected and divided into two groups according to the intervention methods, with 57 patients in group A receiving conventional care and 58 patients in group B receiving CBI combined with IHC. The blood glucose, scores of Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D), Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A), health knowledge, self-efficacy, quality of life, and nursing satisfaction were compared between the two groups before and after intervention.

RESULTS

Compared with group A, group B had lower glycated hemoglobin (HbAlc), 2-h postprandial glucose (2 hPG), and fasting plasma glucose (FPG) levels (P < 0.05), lower HAMD and HAMA scores (P < 0.05), higher health knowledge and self-efficacy scores (P < 0.05), and higher quality of life after intervention (P < 0.05). Group B exhibited a nursing satisfaction rate of 94.83%, higher than that of 70.18% in group A (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The effects of CBI combined with IHC can effectively control blood glucose and improve dysphoria, health knowledge, self-efficacy, and quality of life in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Hypertension and mobile application for self-care, self-efficacy and related knowledge

Managing hypertension is not only concerned with lowering blood pressure (BP) by using antihypertensive medications but also aims at minimizing its consequences through adopting self-care. The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of mobile application on self-care, BP control, self-efficacy and hypertension-related knowledge among adult patients with hypertension. A randomized design, two groups, pretest-posttest, between subjects with a 1:1 allocation ratio was used. The sample was selected from cardiology clinics has completed the study. Using a block randomization method, 57 of the participants were assigned to the intervention group receiving the educational application intervention, and 59 of them were assigned to the control group receiving usual care. The study's findings showed that participants in the intervention group reported statistically significant higher self-care and knowledge scores than the participants in the control group after 8 weeks of receiving the study intervention. Additionally, compared with the control group participants, more participants in the intervention group demonstrated BP control. The educational application is effective in improving knowledge, self-care and BP control. The positive results indicate the value of integrating mobile applications in the care of patients with hypertension.

A longitudinal examination of tablet self-management technology acceptance by patients with chronic diseases: Integrating perceived hand function, perceived visual function, and perceived home space adequacy with the TAM and TPB

BACKGROUND

Health information technologies (HITs) are increasingly being used to support the self-management of chronic diseases. However, patients' initial or continued acceptance of such technologies is not always achieved.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to develop a theory-driven HIT acceptance model to examine factors affecting acceptance of HIT (measured by behavioral intention; BI) for disease self-management among patients with chronic diseases, in which we also focused on three additional, previously unexplored factors related to perceived hand function (PHF), perceived visual function (PVF), and perceived space adequacy (PSA) and a longitudinal scrutinization of changes in the effects of these factors on acceptance over time.

METHODS

The theoretical basis of our acceptance model was drawn from the technology acceptance model and the theory of planned behavior. The model was further extended by including patients' PHF, PVF (related to patients with chronic diseases who are mostly elderly), and PSA (related to the patients' home environment). The model was tested in the context of type 2 diabetes and hypertension self-management via a touchscreen tablet-based system over a 24-week period. A questionnaire was administered at four time points (baseline and 8, 16, and 24 weeks after implementation) to collect data from 151 patients with coexisting type 2 diabetes and hypertension. We tested the model at each time point using partial least squares structural equation modeling.

RESULTS

Perceived usefulness of the self-management system influenced BI directly at 8 and 24 weeks and indirectly at 8, 16, and 24 weeks. Perceived ease of use indirectly affected BI at 8, 16, and 24 weeks. Attitude directly affected BI at 8, 16, and 24 weeks. Perceived behavioral control directly influenced BI at baseline and 8 and 16 weeks. Subjective norms indirectly influenced BI at 8, 16, and 24 weeks. PHF and PVF indirectly influenced BI over the entire study period. PSA influenced BI directly at 16 weeks and indirectly at 8, 16, and 24 weeks.

CONCLUSION

The effects of the proposed factors in our model on patient-focused HIT acceptance changed over a longer time period, emphasizing the importance of further investigation of the longitudinal mechanisms influencing technology acceptance behavior. It is recommended that healthcare practitioners consider such changes when implementing comparable technologies. Moreover, beyond technology attributes, the characteristics, needs, and limitations of older adults and elderly patient users and their home environments should also be considered in the design and implementation of patient-focused HIT systems for chronic disease self-management at home.

Social Media-Delivered Patient Education to Enhance Self-management and Attitudes of Patients with Type 2 Diabetes During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

The use of mobile health technologies has been necessary to deliver patient education to patients with diabetes during the COVID-19 pandemic.

OBJECTIVE

This open-label randomized controlled trial evaluated the effects of a diabetes educational platform-Taipei Medical University-LINE Oriented Video Education-delivered through a social media app.

METHODS

Patients with type 2 diabetes were recruited from a clinic through physician referral. The social media-based program included 51 videos: 10 about understanding diabetes, 10 about daily care, 6 about nutrition care, 21 about diabetes drugs, and 4 containing quizzes. The intervention group received two or three videos every week and care messages every 2 weeks through the social media platform for 3 months, in addition to usual care. The control group only received usual care. Outcomes were measured at clinical visits through self-reported face-to-face questionnaires at baseline and at 3 months after the intervention, including the Simplified Diabetes Knowledge Scale (true/false version), the Diabetes Care Profile-Attitudes Toward Diabetes Scales, the Summary of Diabetes Self-Care Activities, and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels. Health literacy was measured at baseline using the Newest Vital Sign tool. Differences in HbA1c levels and questionnaire scores before and after the intervention were compared between groups. The associations of knowledge, attitudes, and self-care activities with health literacy were assessed.

RESULTS

Patients with type 2 diabetes completed the 3-month study, with 91 out of 181 (50.3%) patients in the intervention group and 90 (49.7%) in the control group. The change in HbA1c did not significantly differ between groups (intervention group: mean 6.9%, SD 0.8% to mean 7.0%, SD 0.9%, P=.34; control group: mean 6.7%, SD 0.6% to mean 6.7%, SD 0.7%, P=.91). Both groups showed increased mean knowledge scores at 12 weeks, increasing from 68.3% (SD 16.4%) to 76.7% (SD 11.7%; P<.001) in the intervention group and from 64.8% (SD 18.2%) to 73.2% (SD 12.6%; P<.001) in the control group. Positive improvements in attitudes and self-care activities were only observed in the intervention group (attitudes: mean difference 0.2, SD 0.5, P=.001; self-care activities: mean difference 0.3, SD 1.2, P=.03). A 100% utility rate was achieved for 8 out of 21 (38%) medication-related videos. Low health literacy was a significant risk factor for baseline knowledge scores in the intervention group, with an odds ratio of 2.80 (95% CI 1.28-6.12; P=.01); this became insignificant after 3 months.

CONCLUSIONS

The social media-based program was effective at enhancing the knowledge, attitudes, and self-care activities of patients with diabetes. This intervention was also helpful for patients with low health literacy in diabetes knowledge. The program represents a potentially useful tool for delivering diabetes education to patients through social media, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04876274; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/results/NCT04876274.

The Nursing Effect of Individualized Management on Patients With Diabetes Mellitus Type 2 and Hypertension

It focused on clinical effects of individualized nursing and health education (INHE) on patients with diabetes mellitus type 2 (T2DM) and hypertension. 68 patients were randomly rolled into two groups, 34 cases in the control group (group A) received routine nursing and remaining 34 cases in the experimental group (group B) received INHE. The disease knowledge mastery (DKM) and the effect of rehabilitation nursing of patients were compared. The results suggested that DKM of patients in group B was obviously greater (P < 0.05). The total effective rate (TER) in group B was 91.45%, which was observably greater than that (76.35%) in group A (P < 0.05). After nursing, the fasting plasma glucose (FPG), 2-hour postprandial glucose (2h PG), systolic blood pressure (SBP), and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) levels of all patients decreased, and those in group B were much lower (P < 0.05). Scores of the Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) and Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS) of the two groups were 56.34 ± 8.12 points and 56.33 ± 8.01 points in group A, respectively; and those in group B were 42.52 ± 6.77 points and 41.71 ± 7.23 points, respectively; and they were all decreased and those in the group B were obviously smaller (P < 0.05). In summary, INHE can effectively improve the psychological cognition of patients with T2DM and hypertension and strengthen the control of blood pressure and blood sugar.

The impact of education through nurse-led telephone follow-up (telenursing) on the quality of life of COVID-19 patients

Background

The widespread prevalence of COVID-19 has disrupted the social life, physical function, and daily activities of patients, leading to reduced quality of their lives. Because of the nature of this disease and its comprehensive impact on patients’ lives, a follow-up based on the conditions of these patients is necessary. This study was conducted to determine the impact of nurse education and telephone follow-up (telenursing) on the quality of life of COVID-19 patients.

Methods

This quasi-experimental study included 120 COVID-19 patients discharged from 22nd-Bahman Hospital in Khaf city and was conducted over 6 months from July 20, 2020, to December 20, 2020. The participants were selected by convenience sampling method and were assigned into two matching groups. The training was delivered through telenursing based on the quality of life criteria for 1 month in the intervention group. The controls did not receive any intervention. Both groups completed the 36-item SF health survey before and 1 month after the intervention.

Results

The two groups were not significantly different regarding the quality of life mean scores at baseline (p = 0.61). However, after the intervention, the mean and standard deviation of the total life quality score was significantly different between the control and intervention groups (63.62 ± 3.93 versus 72.62 ± 3.51, p <0.001).

Conclusions

Telenursing improves the life quality of COVID-19 patients. Through appropriate policies, health managers may put on the agenda the implementation of telenursing for COVID-19 patients.

From conventional healthcare to e-health: Social and spatial transformation. Using a comparison between Hong Kong and Mainland China

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Does spatial organization of healthcare access still matter in China? I assess how e-health has transformed the notion of healthcare access and what spatial dimension of healthcare means in China today and in the near future. I also consider a dynamic perspective to propose keys to anticipate upcoming changes. Hong Kong has a very efficient healthcare system with a dense network of high-level hospitals and a high level of healthcare access. In major Chinese urban centers, a deliberate policy to improve healthcare availability has resulted in a spectacular increase in the number of healthcare structures over the last two decades. This includes urban healthcare centers and outpatient clinics. Nevertheless, the most of the population faces explicit and implicit financial penalties to get full healthcare access. To solve the problem, a digital health revolution is emerging.

METHODS

I use a qualitative case study approach. I conducted a series of semi-structured, face-to-face interviews to evaluate experiences, expectations, and opinions of patients regarding healthcare access and its associated financial burden as well as their use of digital health.

RESULTS

I assessed how e-health has transformed the notion of healthcare access and what spatial dimension of healthcare means today and in the near future in China. I also considered a dynamic perspective to propose keys to anticipate upcoming changes. Healthcare centers tend to shift from a place to get cured to a link within an e-healthcare pathway. For instance, this is a place to get e-prescribed medication. Advantages of this shift include a reduction in the cost of healthcare and remote access to highly qualified medical staff, bypassing the lack of trust in the quality of care offered in local hospitals.

CONCLUSION

A forward-looking approach suggests that e-healthcare is becoming the entry point to healthcare for a large part of the population.

RELEVANCE TO PATIENTS

This study informs the policy makers of upcoming changes, and contributes to understanding and anticipating modifications needed in the healthcare system.

Efficacy of telemedicine on glycaemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes: A meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Telemedicine is defined as the delivery of health services via remote communication and technology. It is a convenient and cost-effective method of intervention, which has shown to be successful in improving glyceamic control for type 2 diabetes patients. The utility of a successful diabetes intervention is vital to reduce disease complications, hospital admissions and associated economic costs.

AIM

To evaluate the effects of telemedicine interventions on hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), body mass index (BMI), post-prandial glucose (PPG), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), weight, cholesterol, mental and physical quality of life (QoL) in patients with type 2 diabetes. The secondary aim of this study is to determine the effect of the following subgroups on HbA1c post-telemedicine intervention; telemedicine characteristics, patient characteristics and self-care outcomes.

METHODS

PubMed Central, Cochrane Library, Embase and Scopus databases were searched from inception until 18^th of June 2020. The quality of the 43 included studies were assessed using the PEDro scale, and the random effects model was used to estimate outcomes and I² for heterogeneity testing. The mean difference and standard deviation data were extracted for analysis.

RESULTS

We found a significant reduction in HbA1c [-0.486%; 95% confidence interval (CI) -0.561 to -0.410, P < 0.001], DBP (-0.875 mmHg; 95%CI -1.429 to -0.321, P < 0.01), PPG (-1.458 mmol/L; 95%CI -2.648 to -0.268, P < 0.01), FPG (-0.577 mmol/L; 95%CI -0.710 to -0.443, P < 0.001), weight (-0.243 kg; 95%CI -0.442 to -0.045, P < 0.05), BMI (-0.304; 95%CI -0.563 to -0.045, P < 0.05), mental QoL (2.210; 95%CI 0.053 to 4.367, P < 0.05) and physical QoL (-1.312; 95%CI 0.545 to 2.080, P < 0.001) for patients following telemedicine interventions in comparison to control groups. The results of the meta-analysis did not show any significant reductions in SBP and cholesterol in the telemedicine interventions compared to the control groups. The telemedicine characteristic subgroup analysis revealed that clinical treatment models of intervention, as well as those involving telemonitoring, and those provided via modes of videoconference or interactive telephone had the greatest effect on HbA1c reduction. In addition, interventions delivered at a less than weekly frequency, as well as those given for a duration of 6 mo, and those lead by allied health resulted in better HbA1c outcomes. Furthermore, interventions with a focus on biomedical parameters, as well as those with an engagement level > 70% and those with a drop-out rate of 10%-19.9% showed greatest HbA1c reduction. The patient characteristics investigation reported that Hispanic patients with T2DM had a greater HbA1c reduction post telemedicine intervention. For self-care outcomes, telemedicine interventions that resulted in higher post-intervention glucose monitoring and self-efficacy were shown to have better HbA1c reduction.

CONCLUSION

The findings indicate that telemedicine is effective for improving HbA1c and thus, glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes. In addition, telemedicine interventions were also found to significantly improved other health outcomes as well as QoL scores. The results of the subgroup analysis emphasized that interventions in the form of telemonitoring, via a clinical treatment model and with a focus on biomedical parameters, delivered at a less than weekly frequency and 6 mo duration would have the largest effect on HbA1c reduction. This is in addition to being led by allied health, through modes such as video conference and interactive telephone, with an intervention engagement level > 70% and a drop-out rate between 10%-19.9%. Due to the high heterogeneity of included studies and limitations, further studies with a larger sample size is needed to confirm our findings.

Effects of technology-supported exercise programs on the knee pain, physical function, and quality of life of individuals with knee osteoarthritis and/or chronic knee pain: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

OBJECTIVE

The study sought to examine the effects of technology-supported exercise programs on the knee pain, physical function, and quality of life of individuals with knee osteoarthritis and/or chronic knee pain by a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL Plus, and the Cochrane Library from database inception to August 2020. A meta-analysis and subgroup analyses, stratified by technology type and program feature, were conducted.

RESULTS

Twelve randomized controlled trials were reviewed, all of which implemented the programs for 4 weeks to 6 months. Telephone, Web, mobile app, computer, and virtual reality were used to deliver the programs. The meta-analysis showed that these programs were associated with significant improvements in knee pain (standardized mean difference [SMD] = -0.29; 95% confidence interval [CI], -0.48 to -0.10; P = .003) and quality of life (SMD = 0.25; 95% CI, 0.04 to 0.46; P = .02) but not with significant improvement in physical function (SMD = 0.22; 95% CI, 0 to 0.43; P = .053). Subgroup analyses showed that some technology types and program features were suggestive of potential benefits.

CONCLUSIONS

Using technology to deliver the exercise programs appears to offer benefits. The technology types and program features that were associated with health values have been identified, based on which suggestions are discussed for the further research and development of such programs.

An Image-Based Mobile Health App for Postdrainage Monitoring: Usability Study

Background

The application of mobile health (mHealth) platforms to monitor recovery in the postdischarge period has increased in recent years. Despite widespread enthusiasm for mHealth, few studies have evaluated the usability and user experience of mHealth in patients with surgical drainage.

Objective

Our objectives were to (1) develop an image-based smartphone app, SurgCare, for postdrainage monitoring and (2) determine the feasibility and clinical value of the use of SurgCare by patients with drainage.

Methods

We enrolled 80 patients with biliary or peritoneal drainage in this study. A total of 50 patients were assigned to the SurgCare group, who recorded drainage monitoring data with the smartphone app; and 30 patients who manually recorded the data were assigned to the conventional group. The patients continued to record data until drain removal. The primary aim was to validate feasibility for the user, which was defined as the proportion of patients using each element of the system. Moreover, the secondary aim was to evaluate the association of compliance with SurgCare and the occurrence of unexpected events.

Results

The average submission duration was 14.98 days, and the overall daily submission rate was 84.2%. The average system usability scale was 83.7 (SD 3.5). This system met the definition of “definitely feasible” in 34 patients, “possibly feasible” in 10 patients, and “not feasible” in 3 patients. We found that the occurrence rates of complications in the SurgCare group and the conventional group were 6% and 26%, respectively, with statistically significant differences P=.03. The rate of unexpected hospital return was lower in the SurgCare group (6%) than in the conventional groups (26%) (P=.03).

Conclusions

Patients can learn to use a smartphone app for postdischarge drainage monitoring with high levels of user satisfaction. We also identified a high degree of compliance with app-based drainage-recording design features, which is an aspect of mHealth that can improve surgical care.

An examination of the socio-demographic correlates of patient adherence to self-management behaviors and the mediating roles of health attitudes and self-efficacy among patients with coexisting type 2 diabetes and hypertension

BACKGROUND

Patients with coexisting type 2 diabetes and hypertension generally exhibit poor adherence to self-management, which adversely affects their disease control. Therefore, identification of the factors related to patient adherence is warranted. In this study, we aimed to examine (i) the socio-demographic correlates of patient adherence to a set of self-management behaviors relevant to type 2 diabetes and hypertension, namely, medication therapy, diet therapy, exercise, tobacco and alcohol avoidance, stress reduction, and self-monitoring/self-care, and (ii) whether health attitudes and self-efficacy in performing self-management mediated the associations between socio-demographic characteristics and adherence.

METHODS

We performed a secondary analysis of data collected in a randomized controlled trial. The sample comprised 148 patients with coexisting type 2 diabetes mellitus and hypertension. Data were collected by a questionnaire and analyzed using logistic regression.

RESULTS

Female patients were found to be less likely to exercise regularly (odds ratio [OR] = 0.49, P = 0.03) and more likely to avoid tobacco and alcohol (OR = 9.87, P < 0.001) than male patients. Older patients were found to be more likely to adhere to diet therapy (OR = 2.21, P = 0.01) and self-monitoring/self-care (OR = 2.17, P = 0.02). Patients living with family or others (e.g., caregivers) were found to be more likely to exercise regularly (OR = 3.44, P = 0.02) and less likely to avoid tobacco and alcohol (OR = 0.10, P = 0.04) than those living alone. Patients with better perceived health status were found to be more likely to adhere to medication therapy (OR = 2.02, P = 0.03). Patients with longer diabetes duration (OR = 2.33, P = 0.01) were found to be more likely to adhere to self-monitoring/self-care. Self-efficacy was found to mediate the association between older age and better adherence to diet therapy, while no significant mediating effects were found for health attitudes.

CONCLUSIONS

Adherence to self-management was found to be associated with socio-demographic characteristics (sex, age, living status, perceived health status, and diabetes duration). Self-efficacy was an important mediator in some of these associations, suggesting that patient adherence may be improved by increasing patients' self-management efficacy, such as by patient empowerment, collaborative care, or enhanced patient-physician interactions.