Efficacy of using telecare services for community-dwelling people with diabetes: A systematic review and meta-analysis

• Published in: Primary care diabetes 2024-08, Vol.18 (4), p.393-401
• Main Authors: Liu, Qian, Song, Huali, Zhang, Sitao, Zhao, Mingzhu, Bai, Xuechun, Liu, Haoying, Duan, Wenxi, Xu, Wei, Song, Haitao, Chen, Li, Yin, Huiru
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adult; Aged; Biomarkers - blood; Blood Glucose - drug effects; Blood Glucose - metabolism; Blood glycaemic control; Blood Pressure; Community dwelling; Diabetes; Diabetes Mellitus - blood; Diabetes Mellitus - diagnosis; Diabetes Mellitus - therapy; Female; Glycated Hemoglobin - metabolism; Glycemic Control; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Humans; Independent Living; Male; Middle Aged; Quality of Life; Self Efficacy; Self-management; Telecare; Telemedicine; Treatment Outcome
• ISSN: 1751-9918; 1878-0210; 1878-0210
• DOI: 10.1016/j.pcd.2024.06.008

To evaluate the glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), blood pressure, self-efficacy, and quality of life efficacy of using telecare services for community-dwelling people with diabetes. Cochrane Library, Web of Science, PsycINFO, PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, and Scopus databases were systematically searched from their inception dates to June 22, 2023. Two evaluators independently selected and evaluated eligible studies. A protocol was registered in PROSPERO. An analysis of 17 studies that included 3586 subjects showed that telecare significantly improved the management of patients with diabetes. Compared to controls, intervention care had significant benefits regarding HbA1c (MD = −0.30, 95 % CI = −0.44 – −0.17, 16 studies), systolic blood pressure (MD = −2.45, 95 % CI = −4.53 – −0.36, P = 0.02), self-efficacy (MD = 0.36, 95 % CI = 0.04 – 0.67, P = 0.03) and quality of life (MD = 0.37, 95 % CI = 0.05 – 0.70, P = 0.02). However, diastolic blood pressure (MD = −1.37, 95 % CI = −3.34 – −0.61, P = 0.17) was not found to be significantly affected. Telecare is effective in improving self-management among community-dwelling people with diabetes, suggesting an effective means for them to achieve self-management. •Telecare showed better outcomes for community-dwelling people with diabetes in terms of blood glycaemic control and systolic blood pressure.•Telecare can significantly improve self-efficacy and quality of life for diabetes living in the community.•This study will contribute to the implementation of telecare programs for diabetes by healthcare professionals.