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Learning Objective 1: The learner will be able to learn the importance of the patient support that uses the information-communication technology by knowing a diabetes self-management support system.
Learning Objective 2: The learner will be able to learn the self-regulation encourage the behavior change on the type 2 diabetics in telenursing.
Methods: The developed self-management support system was implemented for 3 months with 5 male patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. The concept of this program was based on Kanfer's self-regulation model, which offers self-management training through repeated self-monitoring, self-evaluation and self-reinforcement. Specifically, the patients input into their mobile phones or PCs the data required for diabetes self-management for 3 months. Input items included monthly goals, weekly goals, 4-stage assessment for the goals, body weight, body fat percentage, abdominal girth, number of steps, calories burned by exercise, urine sugar level and photos of their meals. The patients received once weekly feedback aimed at ‘enhancing their awareness’, ‘offering specific solutions’ and ‘actively enforcing good practices’ as self-care providers. Also provided were daily e-mail newsletters with information considered necessary for diabetes care as well as tips on how to change behavior.
Results: All 5 subjects showed behavioral changes, such as becoming aware of their calorie intake and becoming accustomed to 30 minutes of walking 5 days a week. Following the 3-month trial of the support system, all 5 subjects showed decreased glycosylated hemoglobin levels, indicating improved glycemic control, compared to pre-intervention values. Body mass index had decreased in 4 of the 5 subjects.
Conclusion: The results suggest that this support system was effective for diabetes self- management. These findings concur with those of previous studies in that, compared with the conventional relationship between patients and medical care providers, the once weekly feedback by telenursing care systems can provide much closer and effective support of individuals trying to self-manage chronic illness.
See more of: World Academy of Nursing Science: Oral Paper & Posters