The impact of online self-management interventions on midlife adults with type 2 diabetes: a systematic review

Br J Nurs. 2020 Mar 12;29(5):266-272. doi: 10.12968/bjon.2020.29.5.266.

Abstract

Background: Online self-management education programmes are now recommended for people with type 2 diabetes to improve self-management capacities. There is limited evidence to determine whether such programmes improve the health outcomes for midlife adults with diabetes.

Aims: The purpose of this systematic review was to assess the impact of online self-management interventions with digital consulting on glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), total cholesterol, blood pressure, diabetes distress, self-efficacy, and depression in midlife adults.

Methods: A systematic review was undertaken searching Medline, Embase and CINAHL. Studies were appraised using the Cochrane Collaboration's tool.

Results: Eight studies were included. Online interventions resulted in the improvement of HbA1c (pooled mean difference on HbA1c: -0.35%, 95% CI (-0.52, -0.18), P<0.001). A narrative synthesis was conducted for all secondary outcomes. No conclusions could be drawn on the impact of these outcomes.

Conclusion: Online interventions improve HbA1c. Further research is needed for secondary outcomes.

Keywords: Glycated haemoglobin; HbA1c; Online education programmes; Patient self-management; Type 2 diabetes.

Publication types

  • Systematic Review

MeSH terms

  • Depression / prevention & control
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / therapy*
  • Female
  • Glycated Hemoglobin / analysis*
  • Humans
  • Internet*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Quality of Life
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
  • Self Efficacy
  • Self-Management*

Substances

  • Glycated Hemoglobin A