Effectiveness of Student-Led Interventions on Improving Diabetes Outcomes: A Systematic Review

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background Diabetes education and treatment is a public health priority. Student-delivered strategies have the potential to offer low-cost, high-quality healthcare services to underserved patients while giving students practice experience. However, the effectiveness of these interventions is unknown. Purpose To document study characteristics and the effectiveness of student-delivered interventions on diabetes health outcomes. Methods Databases searched included Medline, CINAHL Plus, and others. Appropriate keywords/subject headings were used to identify studies meeting inclusion criteria. Two reviewers independently extracted data which were compared, and conflicts resolved by discussion. Results Seven studies met inclusion criteria. Six had statistically significant improvement in outcomes including HbA1c, a long-term glycemic control indicator (n = 4), blood pressure (n = 3), physical activity (n = 1), and exercise stage of change (n = 1). Studies involved medical (n = 3), pharmacy (n = 2), nursing (n = 1), and exercise science (n = 1) students. Studies with improved outcomes tended to have more patient contact. Discussion This review provides evidence that student-led diabetes interventions may be effective at improving outcomes, although studies reviewed are limited by lack of comparison groups and representative samples. Translation to Health Education Practice: Student-delivered diabetes interventions may improve outcomes, especially with adequate patient contact time. Studies of theory- and evidence-based student-led diabetes interventions involving health education/promotion students are warranted.