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Evaluating Self-Management Behaviors of Diabetic Patients in a Telehealthcare Program: Longitudinal Study Over 18 Months

Authors :
Chen, Lichin
Chuang, Lee-Ming
Chang, Chia-Hsiun
Wang, Chiou-Shiang
Wang, I-Ching
Chung, Yufang
Peng, Hui-Yu
Chen, Hui-Chuen
Hsu, Yu-Ling
Lin, Yu-Sheng
Chen, Huang-Jen
Chang, Tieng-Chun
Jiang, Yi-Der
Lee, Hung-Chang
Tan, Ching-Ting
Chang, Hsin-Lu
Lai, Feipei
Source :
Journal of Medical Internet Research, Vol 15, Iss 12, p e266 (2013)
Publication Year :
2013
Publisher :
JMIR Publications, 2013.

Abstract

BackgroundSelf-management is an important skill for patients with diabetes, and it involves frequent monitoring of glucose levels and behavior modification. Techniques to enhance the behavior changes of diabetic patients have been developed, such as diabetes self-management education and telehealthcare. Although the patients are engaged in self-management activities, barriers to behavior changes remain and additional work is necessary to address the impact of electronic media and telehealthcare on patient self-care behaviors. ObjectiveThe aims of this study were to (1) explore the behaviors of diabetic patients interacting with online applications, (2) determine the impact of a telehealthcare program among 7 self-care behaviors of the patients, and (3) determine the changes in glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels. MethodsA telehealthcare program was conducted to assist the patients with 7 self-care activities. The telehealthcare program lasted for 18 months and included the use of a third-generation mobile telecommunications glucometer, an online diabetes self-management system, and a teleconsultant service. We analyzed the data of 59 patients who participated in the telehealthcare program and 103 who did not. The behavioral assessments and the HbA1c data were collected and statistically analyzed to determine whether the telehealthcare services had an impact on the patients. We divided the 18-month period into 3 6-month intervals and analyzed the parameters of patients assisted by the telehealthcare service at different time points. We also compared the results of those who were assisted by the telehealthcare service with those who were not. ResultsThere was a significant difference in monitoring blood glucose between the beginning and the end of the patient participation (P=.046) and between the overall period and the end of patient participation (P

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
14388871
Volume :
15
Issue :
12
Database :
Directory of Open Access Journals
Journal :
Journal of Medical Internet Research
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
edsdoj.91e9ed847574e88a6cd507533bbbe5c
Document Type :
article
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.2196/jmir.2699