Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the preliminary efficacy and user acceptance of My Care Hub (MCH) mobile app—developed to provide evidenced-based support and education on diabetes self-management (DSM). Using a mixed-methods design, the efficacy and acceptability of MCH were measured among people with type 1 or type 2 diabetes after three weeks of intervention. The primary outcome measure was level of involvement with DSM, while the mediating factors were skills and self-efficacy for DSM. Telephone interviews were conducted to elucidate information on perceptions of the app’s impact on participants’ DSM and interest in future use. Statistically significant improvements were observed between pre- and post-intervention measures: DSM activities (4.55 ± 1.14 vs. 5.35 ± 0.84; p = 0.001); skills (7.10 ± 1.99 vs. 7.90 ± 1.67; p = 0.04); and self-efficacy (7.33 ±1.83 vs. 8.07 ± 1.54; p = 0.03). Multivariate analysis showed that self-efficacy had the strongest, though not significant influence on DSM. Interview findings revealed that the app reinforced knowledge and provided motivation to participate in DSM activities. The study suggested a positive impact of MCH on DSM and acceptability by patients. To confirm these promising results, further large scale and long-term studies are required.
Highlights
Diabetes self-management education and support (DSMES) is an ongoing process beyond the formal self-management training, which facilitates the knowledge, skills, and ability necessary for lifestyle behaviours that assist patients to manage their condition [1,2]
This study reports the preliminary efficacy of My Care Hub (MCH)
The non-significant predictive power of self-efficacy on diabetes self-management (DSM) which we found in this study might be an indicator that self-efficacy is not strong enough to make a large effect in a short time frame
Summary
Diabetes self-management education and support (DSMES) is an ongoing process beyond the formal self-management training, which facilitates the knowledge, skills, and ability necessary for lifestyle behaviours that assist patients to manage their condition [1,2]. This is essential to prevent or reduce the risk of developing complications fostering improved short- and long-term health outcomes [3]. In Australia, patients living in rural and remote areas are more severely impacted by these barriers [6], leading to significant gaps in service delivery, accessibility [7] and lower health outcomes [8]. Health system limitations in rural areas highlighted the key role that mobile
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