The Life Diabetes Conversation Map Improves Control of Diabetes Among the Elderly: Challenges and Modifications for the Indonesian Community - An Integrative Review

Abstract

The number of people who have diabetes has been increasing rapidly. Diabetes is a chronic illness that requires continuous intervention to prevent long-term complications and lower the financial burden of treatments. In the elderly, diabetes is linked to higher mortality, reduced functionality, and increased risk of hospitalization. Educational tools that cater to the elderly need to be used to improve the quality and outcomes of patient education among those with diabetes. This paper discussed strategies for improvement using the Life Diabetes Conversation Map in diabetes self-management education among the elderly with diabetes. We conducted a non-systematic search to find evidence from online databases using the keywords: diabetes conversation map, diabetes education, and elderly. Then, we discussed and conducted an integrative review of the Life Diabetes Conversation Map based on how it works, and the benefits and the feasibility or challenges for the Indonesian community. Our findings suggested that the Diabetes Conversation Map was an innovative patient educational tool that used interactive group participation to empower people with diabetes to become actively involved in managing the disease. The maps are a series of pictorial guides through which people engage in discussion and share their beliefs and their experiences of living with diabetes which has many benefits. Challenges for the Indonesian community included needing further innovation for proper language and cultural adjustment and integration into the Public Health Centers’ activities as a primary health care service. Along with these activities, elders could join cooking activities or regular aerobic exercise.
 Keywords: self-management education, Diabetes conversation maps, public health center activity, elderly