Developing diabetes self-care supporting service: A systemic approach

Abstract

This study develops a service-oriented application that focuses on the supports of self-care activities for diabetic patients. Self-care is an area that is yet to be well supported by current healthcare systems. In designing innovative service model, service sector is reaching toward academics for theoretical assistance. A method of systemic approach is used in this study as the map for building a diabetes self-care support (DSCS) service. Based on the self-care theory, DSCS service is designed as an integrated care system that functions at both at patient's home and remote service center. The service was evaluated by a group of diabetic patients for one month and a service acceptance survey was administrated. In this study, the method of systemic approach is useful in analyzing the complex service system and the results from the survey support the needed self-care service.