Abstract
Online care platforms can support patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) in managing their health. However, in the use of eHealth, a low participation rate is common. The Proactive Interdisciplinary Self-Management (PRISMA) program, aimed at improving patients' self-management skills, was expected to encourage patients to manage their disease through the use of an online platform. Therefore, the objective of the current study was to investigate whether a group education program can improve the use of an online care platform in patients with T2DM treated by primary care providers in the Netherlands. In a randomized controlled trial, patients with T2DM received either PRISMA with usual care or usual care only. During a six-month follow-up period in 2014-2015, usage (number of log-ons and time spent per session) of an online care platform (e-Vita) aimed at improving T2DM self-management was assessed. A training about the functionalities of e-Vita was offered. The sample consisted of 203 patients. No differences were found between the intervention and control groups in the number of patients who attended the platform training (interested patients) (X2(1) = 0.58; p = 0.45), and the number of patients who logged on at least once (platform users) (X2(1) = 0.46; p = 0.50). In addition, no differences were found between the groups in the type of users—patients who logged on twice or more (active users) or patients who logged on once (nonactive users) (X2(1) = 0.56; p = 0.45). The PRISMA program did not change platform usage in patients with T2DM. In addition, only a small proportion of the patients logged on twice or more. Patients probably need other encouragements to manage their condition using an online platform.
Highlights
Worldwide, the prevalence of diabetes mellitus is increasing dramatically
Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are primarily treated by primary care providers, this projected growth is expected to exceed the number of available providers [2]
Diabetes care providers see an increase in patients, which results in a decrease in face-to-face time available per patient
Summary
The prevalence of diabetes mellitus is increasing dramatically. In the Netherlands, 66 per 1,000 persons have type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and this rate is expected to increase to 80 per 1,000 persons by 2025 [1]. Patients with T2DM are primarily treated by primary care providers, this projected growth is expected to exceed the number of available providers [2]. Diabetes care providers see an increase in patients, which results in a decrease in face-to-face time available per patient. This has partly been tackled by a transfer of tasks, previously performed exclusively by general practitioners (GPs), to other medical professionals including specialized practice nurses (PNs). To deal with the increasing number of patients with T2DM and the burden of diabetes on healthcare, increased patient participation is needed, including more self-management. Patient participation could be enhanced by offering them the possibility to track their own medical data together with tailored advice through eHealth [5]
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