University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
J Diabetes Sci Technol. 2023 Sep;17(5):1206-1211. doi: 10.1177/19322968231174037. Epub 2023 May 10.
Diabetes self-management education and support (DSMES) is a critical component of diabetes care, but time for it is often limited. Digital tools, such as mobile applications (apps), show promise in extending efforts and supporting self-management education, but have not been fully used. Objectives of this multi-phase study were to (1) evaluate an app designed to support patients with insulin therapy and (2) examine provider perspectives on DSMES apps.
Phase 1: Thirty-two adult patients with type 2 diabetes new to or having difficulties with insulin therapy were introduced to the BD Diabetes Care App. Three-month app use and satisfaction and changes in hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and diabetes distress were assessed. Phase 2: Sixty diabetes providers completed a survey about their experiences with and perspectives on DSMES apps.
Phase 1: Patients reported satisfaction with the app, and significant improvements in HbA1c and diabetes distress were observed. Phase 2: Most providers viewed apps as adjuncts to diabetes education. Only 33% had previous app experience; however, 100% would consider recommending apps to their patients. Most would spend 5-15 minutes introducing apps to patients. All respondents agreed that the following DSMES app features-evidence-based educational content, data logging and tracking features, customizable user experience, digital coaching via goal setting or reminders, and ability to share data with providers-are key components to consider.
Findings suggest DSMES apps can play a role in self-management support and provide guidance on factors to consider when introducing digital tools into clinical practice.
Clinicaltrials.gov, #NCT03999268.
糖尿病自我管理教育和支持（DSMES）是糖尿病护理的重要组成部分，但用于该教育的时间往往有限。数字工具，如移动应用程序（apps），在延长努力和支持自我管理教育方面显示出前景，但尚未得到充分利用。本多阶段研究的目的是：（1）评估一款旨在支持胰岛素治疗患者的应用程序；（2）研究提供者对 DSMES 应用程序的看法。
第 1 阶段：32 名新诊断或正在接受胰岛素治疗的 2 型糖尿病成人患者被介绍使用 BD 糖尿病护理应用程序。评估他们在 3 个月的应用程序使用情况和满意度，以及糖化血红蛋白（HbA1c）和糖尿病困扰的变化。第 2 阶段：60 名糖尿病提供者完成了一份关于他们使用和对 DSMES 应用程序的看法的调查。
第 1 阶段：患者对应用程序表示满意，HbA1c 和糖尿病困扰明显改善。第 2 阶段：大多数提供者认为应用程序是糖尿病教育的辅助手段。只有 33%的人有之前使用应用程序的经验；然而，100%的人会考虑向他们的患者推荐应用程序。大多数人会花 5-15 分钟向患者介绍应用程序。所有受访者都认为以下 DSMES 应用程序功能是关键考虑因素：基于证据的教育内容、数据记录和跟踪功能、用户体验的可定制性、通过设定目标或提醒进行数字辅导，以及与提供者共享数据的能力。
研究结果表明，DSMES 应用程序可以在自我管理支持中发挥作用，并为将数字工具引入临床实践提供指导，考虑哪些因素是至关重要的。
Clinicaltrials.gov，#NCT03999268。
