DSME Programs – Lessons learned

DSME Programs: The lessons learned

P. Gowri

Consultant Diabetologist, Kauvery Hospital, Cantonment, Trichy

Background

Despite significant advances in diabetes management, the majority of people with diabetes (PWD) do not achieve target glycemic control (HbA1c). Poor treatment adherence and diabetes self-management practices may be contributing factors. Targeting unmet psychological needs in these people can result in improved HbA1c.

Psychoeducation

In Diabetes management, psychoeducation can improve diabetes self-care and reinforce motivation to adopt an active role. Psychoeducation is an evidence-based therapeutic intervention for patients that provides information and support to better understand and cope with any chronic illness.

Diabetes Self-management Education Programs (DSME)

Support groups are an integral and essential component in the management of diabetes.

India has one of the lowest participation rates in educational programs.

Kauvery Data – Quarterly Psychoeducation Support System for our Diabetic Patients

Sigaram club -Type 1 DM
Diacare club -Type 2 DM
Vidiyal club – Pregnant Women with Diabetes

*116 group councelling sessions so far

Sigaram: The club for diabetic children

Diacare: The club for adults with Diabetes

Vidiyal: The club for pregnant women with Diabetes

Telemedicine Group Counselling

Diabetic Counselling in D Block

A Study Proposal

Randomised control Trial on Impact of Telemedicine Psychoeducation on Clinical and Behavioural outcomes in adults with Type 2 Diabetes

Definition

Clinical outcomes;

HbA1c-measurement of glycemic control
BMI-measurement of Obesity
BP- measurement of Hypertension

Behavioural outcomes;

Diabetes distress
Treatment adherence
Coping skills
Diabetes related self-care activities.

Need and Importance of the Study

It is imperative to develop a novel diabetic management program in the local language and to assess its effectiveness.
Telemedicine-based psychoeducation is a non-invasive intervention that shifts the focus away from the clinic toward the patient’s daily lives, where behaviour and attitude change is actualized.
This can be translated into better self-care skills and more favorable clinical outcomes as well as reducing costs involved.

Research Method

Research design: Prospective study/ experimental design
Sample Size (n=66): 33 samples in each group – intervention and control group
Intervention: Group Psychoeducation
Mode of Interaction: Virtual Meeting (Zoom app)
of Modules: 8
Meeting schedule: Weekly
Duration: 1 hr session
Booster session: 2 weeks later

There will be a total of 9 hours of intervention and weekly telephonic recalls for motivation and reinforcement.

Research Design: Phase I

Research Design: Phase II

Expected Outcome

Telemedicine Psychoeducation will be effective in improving clinical and behavioural outcomes in adult Type 2 diabetic patients.

Future Implications of the Study

This work can be taken up to a larger population to address self-care skills and diabetes distress for adults with Diabetes.
Results of the current study could aid physicians and policymakers to add Telemedicine psychoeducation in comprehensive diabetes management.
Will open up new avenues for young individuals and people living in remote areas to access quality diabetic care.

Dr. P. Gowri
Senior Consultant Diabetologist

DSME Programs – Lessons learned

DSME Programs: The lessons learned

P. Gowri

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