Behavioural interventions for type 2 diabetes: an evidence-based analysis. Community-based care for the management of type 2 diabetes: an evidence-based analysis. Implementation of the Chronic Care Model in Small Medical Practices Improves Cardiovascular Risk but Not Glycemic Control A Low-Intensity Mobile Health Intervention With and Without Health Counseling for Persons With Type 2 Diabetes, Part 1: Baseline and Short-Term Results From a Randomized Controlled Trial in the Norwegian Part of RENEWING HEALTH The effectiveness of group medical visits on diabetes mellitus type 2 (dm2) specific outcomes in adults: a systematic review Computerized management of diabetes: a synthesis of controlled trials mHealth Technology and Nurse Health Coaching to Improve Health in Diabetes: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial Designing and evaluating a web-based self-management site for patients with type 2 diabetes - systematic website development and study protocol A Mobile App for the Self-Management of Type 1 Diabetes Among Adolescents: A Randomized Controlled Trial Community-based care for chronic wound management: an evidence-based analysis. Effectiveness of interventions that assist caregivers to support people with dementia living in the community: a systematic review. Impact of Information Technology on the Therapy of Type-1 Diabetes: A Case Study of Children and Adolescents in Germany Behavioral and technological interventions targeting glycemic control in a racially/ethnically diverse population: a randomized controlled trial Effectiveness of interventions that assist caregivers to support people with dementia living in the community: a systematic review A mobile diabetes management and educational system for type-2 diabetics in Saudi Arabia (SAED). Comparative Effectiveness of Dipeptidylpeptidase-4 Inhibitors in Type 2 Diabetes: A Systematic Review and Mixed Treatment Comparison Evaluating the impact of mobile telephone technology on type 2 diabetic patients' self-management: the NICHE pilot study. Synopsis of the 2017 U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs/U.S. Department of Defense Clinical Practice Guideline: Management of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus How has the impact of 'care pathway technologies' on service integration in stroke care been measured and what is the strength of the evidence to support their effectiveness in this respect? Mobile App-Based Interventions to Support Diabetes Self-Management: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials to Identify Functions Associated with Glycemic Efficacy How has the impact of 'care pathway technologies' on service integration in stroke care been measured and what is the strength of the evidence to support their effectiveness in this respect? WellDoc mobile diabetes management randomized controlled trial: change in clinical and behavioral outcomes and patient and physician satisfaction. Health Coaching Reduces HbA1c in Type 2 Diabetic Patients From a Lower-Socioeconomic Status Community: A Randomized Controlled Trial
UNLABELLED In June 2008 , the Medical Advisory Secretariat began work on the Diabetes Strategy Evidence Project , an evidence -based review of the literature surrounding strategies for successful management and treatment of diabetes . This project came about when the Health System Strategy Division at the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care subsequently asked the secretariat to provide an evidentiary platform for the Ministry 's newly released Diabetes Strategy .After an initial review of the strategy and consultation with experts , the secretariat identified five key areas in which evidence was needed . Evidence -based analyses have been prepared for each of these five areas : insulin pumps , behavioural interventions , bariatric surgery , home telemonitoring , and community based care . For each area , an economic analysis was completed where appropriate and is described in a separate report . To review these titles within the Diabetes Strategy Evidence series , please visit the Medical Advisory Secretariat Web site , http://www.health.gov.on.ca/english/providers/program/mas/mas_about.html,DIABETES STRATEGY EVIDENCE PLATFORM : Summary of Evidence -Based AnalysesContinuous Subcutaneous Insulin Infusion Pumps for Type 1 and Type 2 Adult Diabetics : An Evidence -Based Analysis Behavioural Interventions for Type 2 Diabetes : An Evidence -Based Analysis  BARIATRIC SURGERY FOR PEOPLE WITH DIABETES AND MORBID OBESITY : An Evidence -Based Summary Community-Based Care for the Management of Type 2 Diabetes : An Evidence -Based Analysis Home Telemonitoring for Type 2 Diabetes : An Evidence -Based Analysis Application of the Ontario Diabetes Economic Model ( ODEM ) to Determine the Cost-effectiveness and Budget Impact of Selected Type 2 Diabetes Interventions in Ontario OBJECTIVE The objective of this report is to determine whether behavioural interventions are effective in improving glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes . BACKGROUND Diabetes is a serious chronic condition affecting millions of people worldwide and is the sixth leading cause of death in Canada . In 2005 , an estimated 8.8 % of Ontario 's population had diabetes , representing more than 816,000 Ontarians . The direct health care cost of diabetes was $ 1.76 billion in the year 2000 and is projected to rise to a total cost of $ 3.14 billion by 2016 . Much of this cost arises from the serious long-term complications associated with the disease including : coronary heart disease , stroke , adult blindness , limb amputations and kidney disease . Type 2 diabetes accounts for 90 - 95 % of diabetes and while type 2 diabetes is more prevalent in people aged 40 years and older , prevalence in younger population s is increasing due to a rise in obesity and physical inactivity in children . Data from the United Kingdom Prospect i ve Diabetes Study ( UKPDS ) has shown that tight glycemic control can significantly reduce the risk of developing serious complications in type 2 diabetics . Despite physicians ' and patients ' knowledge of the importance of glycemic control , Canadian data has shown that only 38 % of patients with diabetes have HbA1C levels in the optimal range of 7 % or less . This statistic highlights the complexities involved in the management of diabetes , which is characterized by extensive patient involvement in addition to the support provided by physicians . An enormous dem and is , therefore , placed on patients to self-manage the physical , emotional and psychological aspects of living with a chronic illness . Despite differences in individual needs to cope with diabetes , there is general agreement for the necessity of supportive programs for patient self-management . While traditional programs were didactic models with the goal of improving patients ' knowledge of their disease , current models focus on behavioural approaches aim ed at providing patients with the skills and strategies required to promote and change their behaviour . Several meta-analyses and systematic review s have demonstrated improved health outcomes with  self-management support programs in type 2 diabetics . They have all , however , either looked at a specific component of self-management support programs ( i.e. self-management education ) or have been conducted in specific population s. Most review s are also qualitative and do not clearly define the interventions of interest , making findings difficult to interpret . Moreover , heterogeneity in the interventions has led to conflicting evidence on the components of effective programs . There is thus much uncertainty regarding the optimal design and delivery of these programs by policymakers . EVIDENCE -BASED ANALYSIS OF EFFECTIVENESS : RESEARCH QUESTIONS Are behavioural interventions  effective in improving glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes?Is the effectiveness of the intervention impacted by intervention characteristics ( e.g. delivery of intervention , length of intervention , mode of instruction , interventionist etc . ) ? INCLUSION CRITERIA English Language Published between January 1996 to August 2008 Type 2 diabetic adult population ( > 18 years)R and omized controlled trials ( RCTs ) Systematic review s , or meta-analyses Describing a multi-faceted self-management support intervention as defined by the 2007 Self-Management Mapping Guide (1)Reporting outcomes of glycemic control ( HbA1c ) with extractable data Studies with a minimum of 6-month follow up EXCLUSION CRITERIA Studies with a control group other than usual care Studies with a sample size < 30 Studies without a clearly defined intervention OUTCOMES OF INTEREST PRIMARY OUTCOME glycemic control ( HbA1c ) SECONDARY OUTCOMES systolic blood pressure ( SBP ) control , lipid control , change in smoking status , weight change , quality of life , knowledge , self-efficacy , managing psychosocial aspects of diabetes , assessing dissatisfaction and readiness to change , and setting and achieving diabetes goals . SEARCH STRATEGY A search was performed in OVID MEDLINE , MEDLINE In-Process and Other Non-Indexed Citations , EMBASE , the Cumulative Index to Nursing & Allied Health Literature ( CINAHL ) , The Cochrane Library , and the International Agency for Health Technology Assessment ( INAHTA ) for studies published between January 1996 and August 2008 . Abstract s were review ed by a single author and studies meeting the inclusion criteria outlined above were obtained . Data on population characteristics , glycemic control outcomes , and study design were extracted . Reference lists were also checked for relevant studies . The quality of the evidence was assessed as being either high , moderate , low , or very low according to the GRADE methodology . SUMMARY OF FINDINGS The search identified 638 citations published between 1996 and August 2008 , of which 12 met the inclusion criteria and one was a meta- analysis ( Gary et al. 2003 ) . The remaining 11 studies were RCTs ( 9 were used in the meta- analysis ) and only one was defined as small ( total sample size N=47 ) . SUMMARY OF PARTICIPANT DEMOGRAPHICS ACROSS STUDIES : A total of 2,549 participants were included in the 11 identified studies . The mean age of participants reported was approximately 58 years and the mean duration of diabetes was approximately 6 years . Most studies reported gender with a mean percentage of females of approximately 67 % . Of the eleven studies , two focused only on women and four included only Hispanic individuals . All studies evaluated type 2 diabetes patients exclusively . STUDY CHARACTERISTICS : The studies were conducted between 2002 and 2008 . Approximately six of 11 studies were carried out within the USA , with the remaining studies conducted in the UK , Sweden , and Israel ( sample size ranged from 47 to 824 participants ) . The quality of the studies ranged from moderate to low with four of the studies being of moderate quality and the remaining seven of low quality ( based on the Consort Checklist ) . Differences in quality were mainly due to method ological issues such as inadequate description of r and omization , sample size calculation allocation concealment , blinding and uncertainty of the use of intention-to-treat ( ITT ) analysis . Patients were recruited from several setting s : six studies from primary or general medical practice s , three studies from the community ( e.g. via advertisements ) , and two from outpatient diabetes clinics . A usual care control group was reported in nine of 11 of the studies and two studies reported some type of minimal diabetes care in addition to usual care for the control group . INTERVENTION CHARACTERISTICS : All of the interventions examined in the studies were mapped to the 2007 Self-management Mapping Guide . The interventions most often focused on problem solving , goal setting and encouraging participants to engage in activities that protect and promote health ( e.g. modifying behaviour , change in diet , and increase physical activity ) . All of the studies examined comprehensive interventions targeted at least two self-care topics ( e.g. diet , physical activity , blood glucose monitoring , foot care , etc . ) . Despite the homogeneity in the aims of the interventions , there was substantial clinical heterogeneity in other intervention characteristics such as duration , intensity , setting , mode of delivery ( group vs. individual ) , interventionist , and outcomes of interest ( discussed below ) . DURATION , INTENSITY AND MODE OF DELIVERY : Intervention duration s ranged from 2 days to 1 year , with many falling into the range of 6 to 10 weeks . The rest of the interventions fell into categories of ≤ 2 weeks ( 2 studies ) , 6 months ( 2 studies ) , or 1 year ( 3 studies ) . Intensity of the interventions varied widely from 6 hours over 2 days , to 52 hours over 1 year ; however , the majority consisted of interventions of 6 to 15 hours . Both individual and group sessions were used to deliver interventions . Group counselling was used in five studies as a mode of instruction , three studies used both individual and group sessions , and one study used individual sessions as its sole mode of instruction . ( ABSTRACT UNLABELLED In June 2008 , the Medical Advisory Secretariat began work on the Diabetes Strategy Evidence Project , an evidence -based review of the literature surrounding strategies for successful management and treatment of diabetes . This project came about when the Health System Strategy Division at the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care subsequently asked the secretariat to provide an evidentiary platform for the Ministry 's newly released Diabetes Strategy .After an initial review of the strategy and consultation with experts , the secretariat identified five key areas in which evidence was needed . Evidence -based analyses have been prepared for each of these five areas : insulin pumps , behavioural interventions , bariatric surgery , home telemonitoring , and community based care . For each area , an economic analysis was completed where appropriate and is described in a separate report . To review these titles within the Diabetes Strategy Evidence series , please visit the Medical Advisory Secretariat Web site , http://www.health.gov.on.ca/english/providers/program/mas/mas_about.html,DIABETES STRATEGY EVIDENCE PLATFORM : Summary of Evidence -Based AnalysesContinuous Subcutaneous Insulin Infusion Pumps for Type 1 and Type 2 Adult Diabetics : An Evidence -Based Analysis Behavioural Interventions for Type 2 Diabetes : An Evidence -Based Analysis BARIATRIC SURGERY FOR PEOPLE WITH DIABETES AND MORBID OBESITY : An Evidence -Based Summary Community-Based Care for the Management of Type 2 Diabetes : An Evidence -Based Analysis Home Telemonitoring for Type 2 Diabetes  : An Evidence -Based Analysis Application of the Ontario Diabetes Economic Model ( ODEM ) to Determine the Cost-effectiveness and Budget Impact of Selected Type 2 Diabetes Interventions in Ontario OBJECTIVE The objective of this report is to determine the efficacy of specialized multidisciplinary community care for the management of type 2 diabetes compared to usual care . CLINICAL NEED TARGET POPULATION AND CONDITION Diabetes ( i.e. diabetes mellitus ) is a highly prevalent chronic metabolic disorder that interferes with the body 's ability to produce or effectively use insulin . The majority ( 90 % ) of diabetes patients have type 2 diabetes . ( 1 ) Based on the United Kingdom Prospect i ve Diabetes Study ( UKPDS ) , intensive blood glucose and blood pressure control significantly reduce the risk of microvascular and macrovascular complications in type 2 diabetics . While many studies have documented that patients often do not meet the glycemic control targets specified by national and international guidelines , factors associated with glycemic control are less well studied , one of which is the provider(s ) of care . Multidisciplinary approaches to care may be particularly important for diabetes management . According guidelines from the Canadian Diabetes Association ( CDA ) , the diabetes health care team should be multi- and interdisciplinary . Presently in Ontario , the core diabetes health care team consists of at least a family physician and /or diabetes specialist , and diabetes educators ( registered nurse and registered dietician ) . Increasing the role played by allied health care professionals in diabetes care and their collaboration with physicians may represent a more cost-effective option for diabetes management . Several systematic review s and meta-analyses have examined multidisciplinary care programs , but these have either been limited to a specific component of multidisciplinary care ( e.g. intensified education programs ) , or were conducted as part of a broader disease management program , of which not all were multidisciplinary in nature . Most review s also do not clearly define the intervention(s ) of interest , making the evaluation of such multidisciplinary community programs challenging . EVIDENCE -BASED ANALYSIS METHODS RESEARCH QUESTIONS What is the evidence of efficacy of specialized multidisciplinary community care provided by at least a registered nurse , registered dietician and physician ( primary care and /or specialist ) for the management of type 2 diabetes compared to usual care ? [ Henceforth referred to as Model 1]What is the evidence of efficacy of specialized multidisciplinary community care provided by at least a pharmacist and a primary care physician for the management of type 2 diabetes compared to usual care ? [ Henceforth referred to as Model 2 ] INCLUSION CRITERIA English language full-reportsPublished between January 1 , 2000 and September 28 , 2008R and omized controlled trials ( RCTs ) , systematic review s and meta-analysesType 2 diabetic adult population ( ≥18 years of age)Total sample size ≥30Describe specialized multidisciplinary community care defined as ambulatory-based care provided by at least two health care disciplines ( of which at least one must be a specialist in diabetes ) with integrated communication between the care providers . Compared to usual care ( defined as health care provision by non-specialist(s ) in diabetes , such as primary care providers ; may include referral to other health care professionals/services as necessary)≥6 months follow-up EXCLUSION CRITERIA Studies where discrete results on diabetes can not be abstract edPredominantly home-based interventions Inpatient-based interventions OUTCOMES OF INTEREST The primary outcomes for this review were glycosylated hemoglobin ( rHbA1c ) levels and systolic blood pressure ( SBP ) . SEARCH STRATEGY A literature search was performed on September 28 , 2008 using OVID MEDLINE , MEDLINE In-Process and Other Non-Indexed Citations , EMBASE , the Cumulative Index to Nursing & Allied Health Literature ( CINAHL ) , the Cochrane Library , and the International Agency for Health Technology Assessment ( INAHTA ) for studies published between January 1 , 2000 and September 28 , 2008 . Abstract s were review ed by a single review er and , for those studies meeting the eligibility criteria , full-text articles were obtained . Reference lists were also examined for any additional relevant studies not identified through the search . Articles with unknown eligibility were review ed with a second clinical epidemiologist , then a group of epidemiologists until consensus was established . The quality of evidence was assessed as high , moderate , low or very low according to GRADE methodology . Given the high clinical heterogeneity of the articles that met the inclusion criteria , specific models of specialized multidisciplinary community care were examined based on models of care that are currently being supported in Ontario , models of care that were commonly reported in the literature , as well as suggestions from an Expert Advisory Panel Meeting held on January 21 , 2009 . SUMMARY OF FINDINGS The initial search yielded 2,116 unique citations , from which 22 RCTs trials and nine systematic review s published were identified as meeting the eligibility criteria . Of these , five studies focused on care provided by at least a nurse , dietician , and physician ( primary care and /or specialist ) model of care ( Model 1 ; see Table ES 1 ) , while three studies focused on care provided by at least a pharmacist and primary care physician ( Model 2 ; see Table ES 2 ) . Based on moderate quality evidence , specialized multidisciplinary community care Model 2 has demonstrated a statistically and clinical ly significant reduction in HbA1c of 1.0 % compared with usual care . The effects of this model on SBP , however , are uncertain compared with usual care , based on very-low quality evidence . Specialized multidisciplinary community care Model 2 has demonstrated a statistically and clinical ly significant reduction in both HbA1c of 1.05 % ( based on high quality evidence ) and SBP of 7.13 mm Hg ( based on moderate quality evidence ) compared to usual care . For both models , the evidence does not suggest a preferred setting of care delivery ( i.e. , primary care vs. hospital outpatient clinic vs. community clinic ) . Table ES1 : Summary of Results of Meta-Analyses of the Effects of Multidisciplinary Care Model 1 Outcome Estimate of effect(95 % CI)Heterogeneity I(2)(p-value ) GRADE Glycosylated Hemoglobin ( HbA1c [%])-1.00 [ -1.27 , -0.73]4 % (p=0.37)Moderate- quality Subgroup : Moderate-to-High Quality -0.91 [ -1.19 , -0.62]0 % (p=0.74)Systolic Blood Pressure ( mm Hg)-2.04 [ -13.80 , 9.72]89 % (p=0.002)Very-low quality * Mean change from baseline to follow-up between intervention and control groupsTable ES2 : Summary of Results of Meta-Analyses of the Effects of Multidisciplinary Care Model 2 Outcome Estimate of effect(95 % CI)Heterogeneity I(2)(p-value ) GRADE Glycosylated Hemoglobin ( HbA1c [%])-1.05 [ -1.57 , -0.52]0 % (p=0.75)High- quality Systolic Blood Pressure ( mm Hg)-7.13 [ -11.78 , -2.48]46 % (p=0.17)Moderate quality * Mean change from baseline to follow-up between intervention and control groups OBJECTIVE To test whether the implementation of elements of the Chronic Care Model ( CCM ) via a specially trained practice nurse leads to an improved cardiovascular risk profile among type 2 diabetes patients . RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS This cluster r and omized controlled trial with primary care physicians as the unit of r and omization was conducted in the German part of Switzerl and . Three hundred twenty-six type 2 diabetes patients ( age > 18 years ; at least one glycosylated hemoglobin [ HbA1c ] level of ≥7.0 % [ 53 mmol/mol ] in the preceding year ) from 30 primary care practice s participated . The intervention included implementation of CCM elements and involvement of practice nurses in the care of type 2 diabetes patients . Primary outcome was HbA1c levels . The secondary outcomes were blood pressure ( BP ) , LDL cholesterol , accordance with CCM ( assessed by Patient Assessment of Chronic Illness Care [ PACIC ] question naire ) , and quality of life ( assessed by the 36-item short-form health survey [ SF-36 ] ) . RESULTS After 1 year , HbA1c levels decreased significantly in both groups with no significant difference between groups ( −0.05 % [ −0.60 mmol/mol ] ; P = 0.708 ) . Among intervention group patients , systolic BP ( −3.63 ; P = 0.050 ) , diastolic BP ( −4.01 ; P < 0.001 ) , LDL cholesterol ( −0.21 ; P = 0.033 ) , and PACIC subscores ( P < 0.001 to 0.048 ) significantly improved compared with control group patients . No differences between groups were shown in the SF-36 subscales . CONCLUSIONS A chronic care approach according to the CCM and involving practice nurses in diabetes care improved the cardiovascular risk profile and is experienced by patients as a better structured care . Our study showed that care according to the CCM can be implemented even in small primary care practice s , which still represent the usual structure in most European health care systems Background Self-management support for people with type 2 diabetes is essential in diabetes care . Thus , mobile health technology with or without low-intensity theory-based health counseling could become an important tool for promoting self-management . Objectives The aim was to evaluate whether the introduction of technology-supported self-management using the Few Touch Application ( FTA ) diabetes diary with or without health counseling improved glycated hemoglobin ( HbA1c ) levels , self-management , behavioral change , and health-related quality of life , and to describe the sociodemographic , clinical , and lifestyle characteristics of the participants after 4 months . Methods A 3-armed r and omized controlled trial was conducted in Norway during 2011 - 2013 . In the 2 intervention groups , participants were given a mobile phone for 1 year , which provided access to the FTA diary , a self-help tool that recorded 5 elements : blood glucose , food habits , physical activity , personal goal setting , and a look-up system for diabetes information . One of the intervention groups was also offered theory-based health counseling with a specialist diabetes nurse by telephone for 4 months from baseline . Both intervention groups and the  control group were provided usual care according to the national guidelines . Adults with type 2 diabetes and HbA1c ≥7.1 % were included ( N=151 ) . There were 3 assessment points : baseline , 4 months , and 1 year . We report the short-term findings after 4 months . HbA1c was the primary outcome and the secondary outcomes were self-management ( Health Education Impact Question naire , heiQ ) , behavioral change ( diet and physical activity ) , and health-related quality of life ( SF-36 question naire ) . The data were analyzed using univariate methods ( ANOVA ) , multivariate linear , and logistic regression . Results Data were analyzed from 124 individuals ( attrition rate was 18 % ) . The groups were well balanced at baseline . There were no differences in HbA1c between groups after 4 months , but there was a decline in all groups . There were changes in self-management measured using the health service navigation item in the heiQ , with improvements in the FTA group compared to the control group ( P=.01 ) and in the FTA with health counseling group compared with both other groups ( P=.04 ) . This may indicate an improvement in the ability of patients to communicate health needs to their health care providers . Furthermore , the FTA group reported higher scores for skill and technique acquisition at relieving symptoms compared to the control group ( P=.02 ) . There were no significant changes in any of the domains of the SF-36 . Conclusions The primary outcome , HbA1c , did not differ between groups after 4 months . Both of the intervention groups had significantly better scores than the control group for health service navigation and the FTA group also exhibited improved skill and technique acquisition Background The prevalence of diabetes mellitus is ubiquitous . Complications and costs of diabetes are rising and are depleting limited re sources . It is imperative for healthcare professionals and patients alike to confront this chronic condition by exploring new interventions . An innovative health care delivery model has emerged in the last 25 years in the form of the group medical visit . Group medical visits can range from of six to twenty patients scheduled together with time allotted for individual care as well as in the group setting . Objectives The review objective was to conduct a systematic review and meta‐ analysis to synthesize the best available evidence related to effectiveness of group medical visits on HbA1c , blood pressure and cholesterol measurements /levels for adult patients with type II diabetes in outpatient setting s. Search strategy A three‐step literature search for studies in English language from 1990 to 2010 was conducted utilising ( a ) a primary search of Medline , CINAHL , PsycINFO and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials , ( b ) a secondary search of non‐indexed data bases , and ( c ) a search of the grey literature . In addition , a manual review of the reference lists of all identified reports and articles was performed to identify additional studies . Inclusion criteria All r and omised and quasi‐experimental studies of adult patients ( > 18 ) with type II diabetes mellitus seen in outpatient health setting s were considered if they met one or more of the following diagnostic outcome measurements : haemoglobin A1c , systolic and diastolic blood pressure , and low density lipoprotein cholesterol . Critical appraisal , data collection and analysis Each of the eligible articles was review ed by two independent review ers . Disagreements between the review ers were resolved through discussion , or with a third review er . Studies that met the inclusion criteria were assessed for method ological quality using the JBI st and ardized critical appraisal tools . Data extraction was undertaken using the st and ardised data extraction tool from JBI‐MAStARI . Main results The search strategy identified 2,040 articles in the published and unpublished literature . Of these , 11 r and omised controlled trials and 4 quasi‐experimental trials met the inclusion criteria and represented 2240 patients included in the final review . There are clear benefits of group medical visits for patients ' HbA1c levels which are consistent in the post‐intervention and change from baseline effect sizes . The most significant effect observed is with the change from baseline results . Some evidence suggests post‐intervention and change from baseline systolic blood pressure improvement at the nine to twelve month interval and change from baseline improvement at the 4 year timeframe . There is no evidence that group visits improve LDL cholesterol values of the group visit participants . Conclusions Group medical visits should be considered by clinicians as an effective non‐pharmacologic intervention that can have a positive impact on biologic markers such as haemoglobin A1c and systolic blood pressure . Implication s for practice The evidence suggests that the most powerful model of Group medical visits ( GMV ) is when a clinician prescriber is present during or immediately after GMV sessions for medication reconciliation or individual patient needs . Implication s for research Future research should include this GMV intervention in r and omised controlled trials across different health systems and socio‐economic and ethnic groups Computerized management of diabetes is the use of information technology to improve diabetic patient outcomes . The computer can be used to provide educational information to patients and facilitate the storage and transmittal of clinical data between patients and clinicians . The objective of this paper was to evaluate computerized management of diabetes in changing the health outcomes . Clinical trial reports were identified through systematic electronic data base and manual search es . Four eligibility criteria were applied : diabetes clinical area ; prospect i ve , contemporaneously controlled clinical trial with r and om assignment of the intervention ;  computer generated information for patients in the intervention group and no similar intervention in the control group ; and measurement of effect on the outcome of care ( health status , social functioning , patient/family satisfaction ) . Data were abstract ed using a st and ardized abstract ion form and the quality of methodology was scored . Of 15 eligible clinical trials , 12 ( 80 % ) reported positive outcomes or significant benefits . A total of 48 outcome measures were reported , an average of 3.2/ study . Significantly improved clinical outcomes included Hemoglobin A1c ( HbA1c ) , blood glucose , and hypoglycemic events .  Patient-computer interaction appears to be a valuable supplement to interaction with clinicians . Considering the need to enhance patient participation in the care of chronic illnesses , initial evidence indicates computers can play a more significant role in the future Background Chronic diseases , including diabetes mellitus , are the leading cause of mortality and disability in the United States . Current solutions focus primarily on diagnosis and pharmacological treatment , yet there is increasing evidence that patient-centered models of care are more successful in improving and addressing chronic disease outcomes . Objective The objective of this clinical trial is to evaluate the impact of a mobile health ( mHealth ) enabled nurse health coaching intervention on self-efficacy among adults with type-2 diabetes mellitus . Methods A r and omized controlled trial was conducted at an academic health system in Northern California . A total of 300 participants with type-2 diabetes were scheduled to be enrolled through three primary care clinics . Participants were r and omized to either usual care or intervention . All participants received training on use of the health system patient portal . Participants in the intervention arm received six scheduled health-coaching telephone calls with a registered nurse and were provided with an activity tracker and mobile application that integrated data into the electronic health record ( EHR ) to track their daily activity and health behavior decisions . All participants completed a baseline survey and follow-up surveys at 3 and 9 months . Primary and secondary outcomes include diabetes self-efficacy , hemoglobin A1c ( HbA1c ) , and quality of life measures . Results Data collection for this trial , funded by the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute , will be completed by December 2017 . Results from the trial will be available mid-2018 . Conclusions This protocol details a patient-centered intervention using nurse health coaching , mHealth technologies , and integration of patient-generated data into the EHR . The aim of the intervention is to enhance self-efficacy and health outcomes by providing participants with a mechanism to track daily activity by offering coaching support to set reasonable and attainable health goals , and by creating a complete feedback loop by bringing patient-generated data into the EHR . Trial Registration Clinical Trials.gov NCT02672176 ; https:// clinical trials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02672176 ( Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/6xEQXe1M5 Background Given that patients provide the majority of their own diabetes care , patient self-management training has increasingly become recognized as an important strategy with which to improve quality of care . However , participation in self management programs is low . In addition , the efficacy of current behavioural interventions wanes over time , reducing the impact of self-management interventions on patient health . Web-based interventions have the potential to bridge the gaps in diabetes care and self-management . Methods Our objective is to improve self-efficacy , quality of life , self-care , blood pressure , cholesterol and glycemic control and promote exercise in people with type 2 diabetes through the rigorous development and use of a web-based patient self-management intervention . This study consists of five phases : ( 1 ) intervention development ; ( 2 ) feasibility testing ; ( 3 ) usability testing ; ( 4 ) intervention refinement ; and ( 5 ) intervention evaluation using mixed methods . We will employ evidence -based strategies and tools , using a theoretical framework of self-efficacy , then elicit user feedback through focus groups and individual user testing sessions . Using iterative re design the intervention will be refined . Once finalized , the impact of the website on patient self-efficacy , quality of life , self-care , HbA1c , LDL-cholesterol , blood pressure and weight will be assessed through a non-r and omized observational cohort study using repeated measures modeling and individual interviews . Discussion Increasing use of the World Wide Web by consumers for health information and ongoing revolutions in social media are strong indicators that users are primed to welcome a new era of technology in health care . However , their full potential is hindered by limited knowledge regarding their effectiveness , poor usability , and high attrition rates . Our development and research agenda aims to address these limitations by improving usability , identifying characteristics associated with website use and attrition , and developing strategies to sustain patient use in order to maximize clinical outcomes Background While optimal blood glucose control is known to reduce the long-term complications associated with type 1 diabetes mellitus , adolescents often struggle to achieve their blood glucose targets . However , their strong propensity toward technology presents a unique opportunity for the delivery of novel self-management interventions . To support type 1 diabetes self-management in this population , we developed the diabetes self-management app bant , which included wireless blood glucose reading transfer , out-of-range blood glucose trend alerts , coaching around out-of-range trend causes and fixes , and a point-based incentive system . Objective The primary objective was to evaluate bant ’s effect on hemoglobin A1c ( HbA1c ) through a r and omized controlled trial ( RCT ) . Secondary measures ( eg , self-monitoring of blood glucose [ SMBG ] ) were also collected to assess bant ’s impact on the self-management behaviors of adolescents with type 1 diabetes . Methods We enrolled 92 adolescents into a 12-month RCT , with 46 receiving usual care and 46 receiving usual care plus bant .  Clinical outcome data were collected at quarterly research visits via vali date d tools , electronic chart review , glucometer downloads , and semistructured interviews . App satisfaction was assessed at 6 and 12 months , and at trial end , users ranked bant components based on perceived usefulness . Mobile analytics captured frequency of blood glucose uploads , which were used to categorize participants into high , moderate , low , or very low engagement levels . Results Linear mixed models showed no changes in primary and secondary clinical outcomes . However , exploratory regression analysis demonstrated a statistically significant association between increased SMBG and improved HbA1c in the intervention group . For a subgroup of bant users taking SMBG ≥5 daily , there was a significant improvement in HbA1c of 0.58 % ( P=.02 ) , while the parallel subgroup in the control arm experienced no significant change in HbA1c ( decrease of 0.06 % , P=.84 ) . Although app usage did diminish over the trial , on average , 35 % ( 16/46 participants ) were classified as moderately or highly engaged ( uploaded SMBG ≥3 days a week ) over the 12 months . Conclusion Although primary analysis of clinical outcomes did not demonstrate differences between the bant and control groups , exploratory analysis suggested that bant may positively impact the use of SMBG data and glycemic control among youth . The next generation of bant will aim to remove barriers to use , such as deploying the app directly to personal devices instead of secondary research phones , and to explore the utility of integrating bant into routine clinical care to facilitate more frequent feedback . Future evaluations of mHealth apps should consider more robust research tools ( eg , Research Kit ) and alternative RCT study design s to enable more rapid and iterative evaluations , better suited to the nature of rapidly evolving consumer technology . Trial Registration Clinical Trials.gov NCT01899274 ; https:// clinical trials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01899274 ( Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/6qWrqF1yw UNLABELLED In August 2008 , the Medical Advisory Secretariat ( MAS ) presented a vignette to the Ontario Health Technology Advisory Committee ( OHTAC ) on a proposed targeted health care delivery model for chronic care . The proposed model was defined as multidisciplinary , ambulatory , community-based care that bridged the gap between primary and tertiary care , and was intended for individuals with a chronic disease who were at risk of a hospital admission or emergency department visit . The goals of this care model were thought to include : the prevention of emergency department visits , a reduction in hospital admissions and re-admissions , facilitation of earlier hospital discharge , a reduction or delay in long-term care admissions , and an improvement in mortality and other disease-specific patient outcomes .OHTAC approved the development of an evidence -based assessment to determine the effectiveness of specialized community based care for the management of  heart failure , Type 2 diabetes and chronic wounds .  PLEASE VISIT THE MEDICAL ADVISORY SECRETARIAT WEB SITE AT : www.health.gov.on.ca/ohtas to review the following reports associated with the Specialized Multidisciplinary Community-Based care series . Specialized multidisciplinary community-based care series : a summary of evidence -based analysesCommunity-based care for the specialized management of heart failure : an evidence -based analysis Community-based care for chronic wound management : an evidence -based analysis Please note that the evidence -based analysis of specialized community-based care for the management of diabetes titled : " Community-based care for the management of type 2 diabetes : an evidence -based analysis " has been published as part of the Diabetes Strategy Evidence Platform at this URL : http://www.health.gov.on.ca/english/providers/program/mas/tech/ohtas/tech_diabetes_20091020.htmlPLEASE VISIT THE TORONTO HEALTH ECONOMICS AND TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT COLLABORATIVE WEB SITE AT : http://theta.utoronto.ca/papers/MAS_CHF_Clinics_Report.pdf to review the following economic project associated with this series : Community-based Care for the specialized management of heart failure : a cost-effectiveness and budget impact analysis . OBJECTIVE The objective of this evidence -based review is to determine the effectiveness of a multidisciplinary wound care team for the management of chronic wounds . CLINICAL NEED CONDITION AND TARGET POPULATION Chronic wounds develop from various aetiologies including pressure , diabetes , venous pathology , and surgery . A pressure ulcer is defined as a localized injury to the skin/ and or underlying tissue occurring most often over a bony prominence and caused , alone or in combination , by pressure , shear , or friction . Up to three fifths of venous leg ulcers are due to venous aetiology . Approximately 1.5 million Ontarians will sustain a pressure ulcer , 111,000 will develop a diabetic foot ulcer , and between 80,000 and 130,000 will develop a venous leg ulcer . Up to 65 % of those afflicted by chronic leg ulcers report experiencing decreased quality of life , restricted mobility , anxiety , depression , and /or severe or continuous pain . MULTIDISCIPLINARY WOUND CARE TEAMS : The term ' multidisciplinary ' refers to multiple disciplines on a team and ' interdisciplinary ' to such a team functioning in a coordinated and collaborative manner . There is general consensus that a group of multidisciplinary professionals is necessary for optimum specialist management of chronic wounds stemming from all aetiologies . However , there is little evidence to guide the decision of which professionals might be needed form an optimal wound care team . EVIDENCE -BASED ANALYSIS METHODS LITERATURE SEARCH A literature search was performed on July 7 , 2009 using OVID MEDLINE , MEDLINE In-Process and Other Non-Indexed Citations , OVID EMBASE , Wiley Cochrane , Centre for Review s and Dissemination/International Agency for Health Technology Assessment , and on July 13 , 2009 using the Cumulative Index to Nursing & Allied Health Literature ( CINAHL ) , and the International Agency for Health Technology Assessment ( INAHTA ) for studies pertaining to leg and foot ulcers . A similar literature search was conducted on July 29 ' 2009 for studies pertaining to pressure ulcers . Abstract s were review ed by a single review er and , for those studies meeting the eligibility criteria , full-text articles were obtained . Reference lists were also examined for any additional relevant studies not identified through the search . Articles with an unknown eligibility were review ed with a second clinical epidemiologist and then a group of epidemiologists until consensus was established . INCLUSION CRITERIA R and omized controlled trials and Controlled clinical Trials ( CCT ) Systematic review with meta analysis Population includes persons with pressure ulcers ( anywhere ) and /or leg and foot ulcersThe intervention includes a multidisciplinary ( two or more disciplines ) wound care team . The control group does not receive care by a wound care team Studies published in the English language between 2004 and 2009 EXCLUSION CRITERIA : Single centre retrospective observational studies OUTCOMES OF INTEREST Proportion of persons and /or wounds completely healedTime to complete healing Quality of LifePain assessment SUMMARY OF FINDINGS Two studies met the inclusion and exclusion criteria , one a r and omized controlled trial ( RCT ) , the other a CCT using a before and after study design . There was variation in the setting , composition of the wound care team , outcome measures , and follow up periods between the studies . In both studies , however , the wound care team members received training in wound care management and followed a wound care management protocol . In the RCT , Vu et al. reported a non-significant difference between the proportion of wounds healed in 6 months using a univariate analysis ( 61.7 % for treatment vs. 52.5 % for control ; p=0.074 , RR=1.19 ) There was also a non-significant difference in the mean time to healing in days ( 82 for treatment vs. 101 for control ; p=0.095 ) . More persons in the intervention group had a Brief Pain Inventory ( BPI ) score equal to zero ( better pain control ) at 6 months when compared with the control group ( 38.6 % for intervention vs. 24.4 % for control ; p=0.017 , RR=1.58 ) . By multivariate analysis a statistically significant hazard ratio was reported in the intervention group ( 1.73 , 95 % CI 1.20 - 1.50 ; p=0.003 ) . In the CCT , Harrison et al. reported a statistically significant difference in healing rates between the pre ( control ) and post ( intervention ) phases of the study . Of patients in the pre phase , 23 % had healed ulcers 3 months after study enrolment , whereas 56 % were healed in the post phase ( P<0.001 , OR=4.17 ) ( Figure 3 ) . Furthermore , 27 % of patients were treated daily or more often in the pre phase whereas only 6 % were treated at this frequency in the post phase ( P<0.001 ) , equal to a 34 % relative risk reduction in frequency of daily treatments . The authors did not report the results of pain relief assessment . The body of evidence was assessed using the GRADE methodology for 4 outcomes : proportion of wounds healed , proportion of persons with healed wounds , wound associated pain relief , and proportion of persons needing daily wound treatments . In general , the evidence was found to be low to very low quality . CONCLUSION The evidence supports that managing chronic wounds with a multidisciplinary wound care team significantly increases wound healing and reduces the severity of wound-associated pain and the required daily wound treatments compared to persons not managed by a wound care team . The quality of evidence supporting these outcomes is low to very low meaning that further research is very likely to have an important impact on our confidence in the estimate of effect and is likely to change the estimate OBJECTIVES The objective of this review was to assess the effectiveness of interventions that assist caregivers to provide support for people living with dementia in the community . INCLUSION CRITERIA Types of participants Adult caregivers who provide support for people with dementia living in the community ( non-institutional care).Types of interventions Interventions design ed to support caregivers in their role such as skills training , education to assist in caring for a person living with dementia and support groups/programs . Interventions of formal approaches to care design ed to support caregivers in their role , care planning , case management and specially design ated members of the healthcare team - for example dementia nurse specialist or volunteers trained in caring for someone with dementia . Types of studies This review considered any meta-analyses , systematic review s , r and omised control trials , quasi-experimental studies , cohort studies , case control studies and observational studies without control groups that addressed the effectiveness of interventions that assist caregivers to provide support for people living with dementia in the community . SEARCH STRATEGY The search sought to identify published studies from 2000 to 2005 through the use of electronic data bases . Only studies in English were considered for inclusion . The initial search was conducted of the data bases , CINAHL , MEDLINE and PsychINFO using search strategies adapted from the Cochrane Dementia and Cognitive Improvement Group . A second more extensive search was then conducted using the appropriate Medical Subject Headings ( MeSH ) and keywords for other available data bases . Finally , h and search ing of reference lists of articles retrieved and of core dementia , geriatric and psycho geriatric journals was undertaken . ASSESSMENT OF QUALITY Method ological quality of each of the articles was assessed by two independent review ers using appraisal checklist developed by the Joanna Briggs Institute and based on the work of the Cochrane Collaboration and Centre for Review s and Dissemination . DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS St and ardised mean differences or weighted mean differences and their 95 % confidence intervals were calculated for each included study reported in the meta- analysis . Results from comparable groups of studies were pooled in statistical meta- analysis using Review Manager Software from the Cochrane Collaboration . Heterogeneity between combined studies was tested using st and ard chi-square test . Where statistical pooling was not appropriate or possible , the findings are summarised in narrative form . RESULTS A comprehensive search of relevant data bases , h and search ing and cross referencing found 685 articles that were assessed for relevance to the review . Eighty-five papers appeared to meet the inclusion criteria based on title and abstract , and the full paper was retrieved . Of the 85 full papers review ed , 40 were accepted for inclusion , three were systematic review s , three were meta- analysis , and the remaining 34 were r and omised controlled trials . For the r and omised controlled trials that were able to be included in a meta- analysis , st and ardised mean differences or weighted mean differences and their 95 % confidence intervals were calculated for each . Results from comparable groups of studies were pooled in statistical meta- analysis using Review Manager Software and heterogeneity between combined studies was assessed by using the chi-square test . Where statistical pooling was not appropriate or possible , the findings are summarised in narrative form . The results are discussed in two main sections . Firstly it was possible to assess the effectiveness of different types of caregiver interventions on the outcome categories of depression , health , subjective well-being , self-efficacy and burden . Secondly , results are reported by main outcome category . For each of these sections , meta- analysis was conducted where it was possible ; otherwise , a narrative summary describes the findings . EFFECTIVENESS OF INTERVENTION TYPE Four categories of intervention were included in the review - psycho-educational , support , multi-component and other . Psycho-educational Thirteen studies used  psycho-educational interventions  , and all but one showed positive results across a range of outcomes . Eight studies were entered in a meta- analysis . No significant impact of psycho-educational interventions was found for the outcome categories of subjective well-being , self-efficacy or health . However , small but significant results were found for the categories of depression and burden . Support Seven studies discussed support only interventions and two of these showed significant results . These two studies were suitable for meta- analysis and demonstrated a small but significant improvement on caregiver burden . Multi-component Twelve of the studies report multi-component interventions and 10 of these report significant outcomes across a broad range of outcome measures including self-efficacy , depression , subjective well-being and burden . Unfortunately because of the heterogeneity of study design s and outcome measures , no meta- analysis was possible . Other interventions Other interventions included the use of exercise or nutrition which result ed in improvements in psychological distress and health benefits . Case management and a computer aided support intervention provided mixed results . One cognitive behavioural therapy study reported a reduction in anxiety and positive impacts on patient behaviour . EFFECTIVENESS OF INTERVENTIONS USING SPECIFIC OUTCOME CATEGORIES In addition to analysis by type of intervention it was possible to analyse results based on some outcome categories that were used across the studies . In particular the impact of interventions on caregiver depression was available for meta- analysis from eight studies . This indicated that multi-component and psycho-educational interventions showed a small but significant positive effect on caregiver depression . Five studies using the outcome category of caregiver burden  were entered into a meta- analysis and findings indicated that there were no significant effects of any of interventions . No meta- analysis was possible for the outcome categories of health , self-efficacy or subjective well-being . IMPLICATION S FOR PRACTICE From this review there is evidence to support the use of well- design ed psycho-educational or multi-component interventions for caregivers of people with dementia who live in the community . Factors that appear to positively contribute to effective interventions are those which : Factors which do not appear to have benefit in interventions are those which Being able to manage and adjust insulin doses is a key part of managing type-1 diabetes . Children and adolescents with type-1 diabetes mellitus often have serious difficulties with this dosage adjustment . Therefore , this paper aims to investigate the impact of using novel mobile , web and communication technologies in assisting their therapy and treatment . A trial was conducted in the north-eastern part of Germany to evaluate the impact of the “ Mobil Diab ” , a mobile diabetes management system , on the clinical outcome . 68 subjects aged between 8 and 18 years , divided r and omly into control and intervention groups , were included into the study . Metrics such as changes in the quality of metabolic control , changes in psychological parameters , usability and acceptance of the technology were used for evaluation purpose . Metabolic control was mainly assessed by the mean HbAlc . Analysis showed a good acceptance of the proposed system . An overall improvement in mean levels of HbA1c was observed , however further studies will be conducted to prove evidence of the weight and BMI improvements . Moreover , initial indications of positive impact on the improvement in psychological parameters were presumed based on the result of the conducted study . The system appeared to be an efficient and time saving tool in diabetes management Background Diabetes self-care by patients has been shown to assist in the reduction of disease severity and associated medical costs . We compared the effectiveness of two different diabetes self-care interventions on glycemic control in a racially/ethnically diverse population . We also explored whether reductions in glycated hemoglobin ( HbA1c ) will be more marked in minority persons . Methods We conducted an open-label r and omized controlled trial of 376 patients with type 2 diabetes aged ≥18 years and whose last measured HbA1c was ≥7.5 % ( ≥58 mmol/mol ) . Participants were r and omized to : 1 ) a Chronic Disease Self-Management Program ( CDSMP ; n = 101 ) ; 2 ) a diabetes self-care software on a personal digital assistant ( PDA ; n = 81 ) ; 3 ) a combination of interventions ( CDSMP + PDA ; n = 99 ) ; or 4 ) usual care ( control ; n = 95 ) . Enrollment occurred January 2009-June 2011 at seven regional clinics of a university-affiliated multi-specialty group practice . The primary outcome was change in HbA1c from r and omization to 12 months . Data were analyzed using a multilevel statistical model . Results Average baseline HbA1c in the CDSMP , PDA , CDSMP + PDA , and control arms were 9.4 % , 9.3 % , 9.2 % , and 9.2 % , respectively . HbA1c reductions at 12 months for the groups averaged 1.1 % , 0.7 % , 1.1 % , and 0.7 % , respectively and did not differ significantly from baseline based on the model ( P = .771 ) . Besides the participants in the PDA group reporting eating more high-fat foods compared to their counterparts ( P < .004 ) , no other significant differences were observed in participants ’ diabetes self-care activities . Exploratory sub- analysis did not reveal any marked reductions in HbA1c for minority persons but rather modest reductions for all racial/ethnic groups . Conclusions Although behavioral and technological interventions can result in some modest improvements in glycemic control , these interventions did not fare significantly better than usual care in achieving glycemic control . More research is needed to underst and how these interventions can be most effective in clinical practice . The reduction in HbA1c levels found in our control group that received usual care also suggests that good routine care in an integrated healthcare system can lead to better glycemic control . Trial registration Clinical trials.gov Identifier : NCT01221090 Objectives The objective of this review was to assess the effectiveness of interventions that assist caregivers to provide support for people living with dementia in the community . Inclusion criteria Types of participants Adult caregivers who provide support for people with dementia living in the community ( non‐institutional care ) . Types of interventions Interventions design ed to support caregivers in their role such as skills training , education to assist in caring for a person living with dementia and support groups/programs . Interventions of formal approaches to care design ed to support caregivers in their role , care planning , case management and specially design ated members of the healthcare team ‐ for example dementia nurse specialist or volunteers trained in caring for someone with dementia . Types of studies This review considered any meta‐analyses , systematic review s , r and omised control trials , quasi‐experimental studies , cohort studies , case control studies and observational studies without control groups that addressed the effectiveness of interventions that assist caregivers to provide support for people living with dementia in the community . Search strategy The search sought to identify published studies from 2000 to 2005 through the use of electronic data bases . Only studies in English were considered for inclusion . The initial search was conducted of the data bases , CINAHL , MEDLINE and PsychINFO using search strategies adapted from the Cochrane Dementia and Cognitive Improvement Group . A second more extensive search was then conducted using the appropriate Medical Subject Headings ( MeSH ) and keywords for other available data bases . Finally , h and search ing of reference lists of articles retrieved and of core dementia , geriatric and psycho geriatric journals was undertaken . Assessment of quality Method ological quality of each of the articles was assessed by two independent review ers using appraisal checklist developed by the Joanna Briggs Institute and based on the work of the Cochrane Collaboration and Centre for Review s and Dissemination . Data collection and analysis St and ardised mean differences or weighted mean differences and their 95 % confidence intervals were calculated for each included study reported in the meta‐ analysis . Results from comparable groups of studies were pooled in statistical meta‐ analysis using Review Manager Software from the Cochrane Collaboration . Heterogeneity between combined studies was tested using st and ard chi‐square test . Where statistical pooling was not appropriate or possible , the findings are summarised in narrative form . Results A comprehensive search of relevant data bases , h and search ing and cross referencing found 685 articles that were assessed for relevance to the review . Eighty‐five papers appeared to meet the inclusion criteria based on title and abstract , and the full paper was retrieved . Of the 85 full papers review ed , 40 were accepted for inclusion , three were systematic review s , three were meta‐ analysis , and the remaining 34 were r and omised controlled trials . For the r and omised controlled trials that were able to be included in a meta‐ analysis , st and ardised mean differences or weighted mean differences and their 95 % confidence intervals were calculated for each . Results from comparable groups of studies were pooled in statistical meta‐ analysis using Review Manager Software and heterogeneity between combined studies was assessed by using the chi‐square test . Where statistical pooling was not appropriate or possible , the findings are summarised in narrative form . The results are discussed in two main sections . Firstly it was possible to assess the effectiveness of different types of caregiver interventions on the outcome categories of depression , health , subjective well‐being , self‐efficacy and burden . Secondly , results are reported by main outcome category . For each of these sections , meta‐ analysis was conducted where it was possible ; otherwise , a narrative summary describes the findings . Effectiveness of intervention type Four categories of intervention were included in the review ‐ psycho‐educational , support , multi‐component and other . Psycho‐educational Thirteen studies used  psycho‐educational interventions , and all but one showed positive results across a range of outcomes . Eight studies were entered in a meta‐ analysis . No significant impact of psycho‐educational interventions was found for the outcome categories of subjective well‐being , self‐efficacy or health . However , small but significant results were found for the categories of depression and burden . Support Seven studies discussed support only interventions and two of these showed significant results . These two studies were suitable for meta‐ analysis and demonstrated a small but significant improvement on caregiver burden . Multi‐component Twelve of the studies report multi‐component interventions and 10 of these report significant outcomes across a broad range of outcome measures including self‐efficacy , depression , subjective well‐being and burden . Unfortunately because of the heterogeneity of study design s and outcome measures , no meta‐ analysis was possible . Other interventions Other interventions included the use of exercise or nutrition which result ed in improvements in psychological distress and health benefits .  Case management and a computer aided support intervention provided mixed results . One cognitive behavioural therapy study reported a reduction in anxiety and positive impacts on patient behaviour . Effectiveness of interventions using specific outcome categories In addition to analysis by type of intervention it was possible to analyse results based on some outcome categories that were used across the studies . In particular the impact of interventions on  caregiver depression was available for meta‐ analysis from eight studies . This indicated that multi‐component and psycho‐educational interventions showed a small but significant positive effect on caregiver depression . Five studies using the outcome category of caregiver burden  were entered into a meta‐ analysis and findings indicated that there were no significant effects of any of interventions . No meta‐ analysis was possible for the outcome categories of health , self‐efficacy or subjective well‐being . Implication s for practice From this review there is evidence to support the use of well‐ design ed psycho‐educational or multi‐component interventions for caregivers of people with dementia who live in the community . Factors that appear to positively contribute to effective interventions are those which : Provide opportunities within the intervention for the person with dementia as well as the caregiver to be involved Encourage active participation in educational interventions for caregivers Offer individualised programs rather than group sessions Provide information on an ongoing basis , with specific information about services and coaching regarding their new role Target the care recipient particularly by reduction in behaviours Factors which do not appear to have benefit in interventions are those which : Simply refer caregivers to support groups Only provide self help material s Only offer peer BACKGROUND Diabetes is a chronic disease , with high prevalence across many nations , which is characterized by elevated level of blood glucose and risk of acute and chronic complication . The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia ( KSA ) has one of the highest levels of diabetes prevalence globally . It is well-known that the treatment of diabetes is complex process and requires both lifestyle change and clear pharmacologic treatment plan . To avoid the complication from diabetes , the effective behavioural change and extensive education and self-management is one of the key approaches to alleviate such complications . However , this process is lengthy and expensive . The recent studies on the user of smart phone technologies for diabetes self-management have proven to be an effective tool in controlling hemoglobin ( HbA1c ) levels especially in type-2 diabetic ( T2D ) patients . However , to date no reported study addressed the effectiveness of this approach in the in Saudi patients . This study investigates the impact of using mobile health technologies for the self-management of diabetes in Saudi Arabia . METHODS In this study , an intelligent mobile diabetes management system ( SAED ) , tailored for T2D patients in KSA was developed . A pilot study of the SAED system was conducted in Saudi Arabia with 20 diabetic patients for 6 months duration . The patients were r and omly categorized into a control group who did not use the SAED system and an intervention group whom used the SAED system for their diabetes management during this period . At the end of the follow-up period , the HbA1c levels in the patients in both groups were measure together with a diabetes knowledge test was also conducted to test the diabetes awareness of the patients . RESULTS The results of SAED pilot study showed that the patients in the intervention group were able to significantly decrease their HbA1c levels compared to the control group . The SAED system also enhanced the diabetes awareness amongst the patients in the intervention group during the trial period . These outcomes confirm the global studies on the effectiveness of smart phone technologies in diabetes management . The significance of the study is that this was one of the first such studies conducted on Saudi patients and of their acceptance for such technology in their diabetes self-management treatment plans . CONCLUSIONS The pilot study of the SAED system showed that a mobile health technology can significantly improve the HbA1C levels among Saudi diabetic and improve their disease management plans . The SAED system can also be an effective and low-cost solution in improving the quality of life of diabetic patients in the Kingdom considering the high level of prevalence and the increasing economic burden of this disease Objective To compare the safety and efficacy of the dipeptidylpeptidase-4 ( DPP-4 ) inhibitors in patients with type 2 diabetes and inadequate glycemic control . Design Systematic review of r and omized controlled trials ( RCTs ) , health economic evaluation studies , systematic review s , and meta-analyses , followed by primary Bayesian mixed treatment comparison meta-analyses ( MTCs ) , and secondary frequentist direct-comparison meta-analyses using a r and om-effects model . Outcomes were reported as weighted mean change from baseline , or odds ratio ( OR ) with 95 % credible interval . Data sources MEDLINE , MEDLINE In-Process , EMBASE , and BIOSIS via Dialog ProQuest ; Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and Cochrane Data base of Systematic Review s via EBSCO ; four diabetes and two technical congress abstract s ; and health technology assessment organization websites . Eligibility criteria Patients with type 2 diabetes and inadequate glycemic control receiving any pharmacological anti-diabetic treatment . Data extraction and analysis Title/ abstract s were review ed for eligibility , followed by full-text review of publications remaining after first pass . A three-person team filtered articles and an independent review er checked a r and om selection ( 10 % ) of filtered articles . Data extraction and quality assessment of studies were also independently review ed . Five DPP-4 inhibitors ( alogliptin , linagliptin , saxagliptin , sitagliptin , and vildagliptin ) were compared via meta- analysis ( where data were available ) as monotherapy , dual therapy ( plus metformin , sulfonylurea , pioglitazone , or insulin ) , and triple therapy ( plus metformin/sulfonylurea ) . Results The review identified 6,601 articles ; 163 met inclusion criteria and 85 publications from 83 RCTs contained sufficient or appropriate data for analysis . MTCs demonstrated no differences between DPP-4 inhibitors in mean change from baseline in glycosylated hemoglobin ( HbA1c ) or body weight , or the proportions of patients achieving HbA1c < 7 % or experiencing a hypoglycemic event , apart from in patients on alogliptin plus metformin , who achieved HbA1c < 7 % more frequently than those treated with saxagliptin plus metformin [ OR 6.41 ( 95 % CI 3.15–11.98 ) versus 2.17 ( 95 % CI 1.56–2.95 ) ] . Conclusions This systematic review and MTC showed similar efficacy and safety for DPP-4 inhibitors as treatment for type 2 diabetes , either as monotherapy or combination therapy RATIONALE , AIMS AND OBJECTIVES Utilizing information technology , such as Internet and cellphones , holds great promise in enhancing diabetic care . Yet few studies have examined the impact of cellphone technology on type 2 diabetics ' self-care . The primary aim of the study is to examine the feasibility of utilizing this technology to assist with diabetes self-care in a clinic population as well as its impact on clinical outcomes . METHODS Thirty patients with a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes at two Community Health Centers were r and omized to intervention or control . Intervention patients participated in a brief intervention and received tailored daily messages via cellphone prompting them to enhance their diabetic self-care behaviour .  Patients at the control site continued with their st and ard diabetes self-management .  RESULTS A mean improvement in HbA1c levels was apparent ( -0.1 , SD = 0.3 % ; P = 0.1534 ) in the intervention group , compared with a mean deterioration in the control ( 0.3 , SD = 1.0 % ; P = 0.3813 ) , yet without statistical significance . Self-efficacy scores improved significantly in the intervention group ( -0.5 , SD = 0.6 ; P = 0.0080 ) compared with no improvement in the control ( 0.0 , SD = 1.0 ; P = 0.9060 ) . Participants encountered numerous technological barriers when attempting to adhere to the intervention protocol . CONCLUSION The results indicate the intervention had a positive impact on some clinical outcome and self-efficacy . Although the technology appears feasible in a clinical setting technology must be made more user-friendly before a larger phase II trial is conducted Diabetes is the leading cause of major complications , such as end-stage renal disease and lower extremity amputations , and is a significant contributor to ischemic heart disease , stroke , peripheral vascular disease , and vision loss ( 1 ) . There has been increasing acceptance of the importance of individualizing glycemic management and assessment of risk for adverse events , especially hypoglycemia ( 26 ) . This is of great importance for all patients , especially older adults ( aged 65 years ) with comorbid conditions . In 2013 , 12.0 million older adults in the United States had diabetes , comprising 40 % of the 30.2 million persons with the disease ( 7 ) . Older adults account for an estimated 60 % to 70 % of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs ( VA ) and U.S. Department of Defense ( DoD ) diabetic population ( largely retirees ) ( VA/DoD. Unpublished data ) . These considerations make safe and effective diabetes management a policy priority for health care providers ( physicians , nurses , dietitians , and pharmacists ) and policymakers in both the VA and the DoD. The 2017 VA/DoD Clinical Practice Guideline ( CPG ) for the Management of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Primary Care offers health care providers an evidence -based framework to evaluate , treat , and manage persons with type 2 diabetes  mellitus in the context of their individual needs and preferences ( 8) . The current article is a summary of key CPG recommendations , which was developed with multiple stakeholders to ensure representation by a broad spectrum of clinicians . It provides practice recommendations for the care of patients with diabetes , with an emphasis on shared decision making . Guideline Development and Review Process These recommendations were developed using methods established by the VA/DoD Evidence -Based Practice Work Group ( EBPWG ) ( 9 ) , which are aligned with st and ards for trustworthy guidelines ( 10 ) . The EBPWG and the U.S. Army Medical Comm and selected guideline panel cochairs ( 1 each from the VA and the DoD ) . The cochairs then selected a multidisciplinary panel of practicing clinician stakeholders , including primary care physicians ( family and internal medicine ) , endocrinologists , medical nutritionists , pharmacists , diabetes educators , and nurse practitioners . At the start of the CPG development process and at other key points throughout , all members were required to su bmi t disclosure statements for potential conflicts of interest in the previous 24 months . Verbal affirmations of no conflicts were used during meetings throughout the development process . The project team was also subject to r and om Web-based surveillance ( for example , ProPublica ) . The VA/DoD contracted with The Lewin Group , a third party with expertise in clinical practice guideline development , to facilitate meetings . The guideline panel , in collaboration with the ECRI Institute , developed 9 key questions using the PICOTS ( population , intervention , comparator , outcomes , timing of outcomes measurement , and setting ) format . A systematic search of the peer- review ed literature from January 2009 through March 2016 was conducted to find evidence relevant to the key questions that focused on r and omized trials , systematic review s , and meta-analyses of fair or better quality . One key question was up date d through 14 June 2016 . The search methods and results are detailed in the full guideline ( 8) . The guideline panel rated recommendations by using the GRADE ( Grading of Recommendations Assessment , Development and Evaluation ) method ( 11 ) . The guideline panel focused on developing new and up date d recommendations using the evidence review for the key questions . The panel also considered , without a complete review of the relevant evidence , the current applicability of recommendations that were included in the 2010 CPG . As part of the development process , a patient focus group was also convened to better underst and the perspectives of patients receiving diabetes treatment in the VA and the DoD. Five patients were included , consistent with the requirements of the federal Paperwork Reduction Act . All patients had type 2 diabetes and were veterans receiving care in the VA . The focus group explored knowledge of treatment options , views on the delivery of care , patients ' needs and preferences , and the effect of diabetes on their lives . Important concepts that emerged from the focus group were shared with the panel and informed guideline development . It was acknowledged that this convenience sample may not be representative of all VA and DoD patients receiving treatment for type 2 diabetes . The draft guideline was sent to more than 15 expert review ers inside and outside the federal sector . Comments were review ed and , where appropriate , were incorporated into the final guideline based on panel consensus . The VA/DoD EBPWG approved the final document on 3 April 2017 and released it on 17 April 2017 . Recommendations are presented in the Table , and an algorithm for establishing a personalized glycemic goal and treatment plan is presented in the Figure . Key recommendations are review ed in this article . Table . Summary of Recommendations From the 2017 VA/DoD CPG on the Management of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Figure . Algorithmic approach to evaluating glycemic control risk factors , setting a personalized glycemic control target range , providing self-management ( including lifestyle and nutrition ) education , and initiating or reevaluating medication therapy . Recommendations Provide Patient-Centered Care and Incorporate Shared Decision Making The CPG strongly encourages clinicians to incorporate shared decision making and partner with their patients . Shared decision making is the process by which the patient and family , in conjunction with the care provider , reach an agreement about a plan of care and treatment . Key principles include readiness of the patient and family , tools with underst and able information about the benefits and harms of all options , and strategies to identify and incorporate patient preferences . Patients can not effectively participate in care and shared decision making unless they underst and diabetes and how they can be involved in planning and carrying out the jointly developed care plan . Shared decision making reinforces a trusted therapeutic relationship and increases patient satisfaction and treatment buy-in with regard to the methods used to reach a particular goal or treatment plan ( 1214 ) . It should be used not only for patients with stable glycemic control but also to assist those who are not able or willing to make lifestyle changes and decisions that affect their diabetes at any time during the course of treatment . At a minimum , shared decision making should be included at the time of diagnosis , during difficulties with management , and at times of transition or development of complications ( 14 ) . Benefits include greater knowledge of medications ( 13 ) and underst and ing of risks ( 14 ) . In addition , patient-centered care and shared decision making together may decrease patient anxiety , increase trust in clinicians ( 15 ) , and improve treatment adherence ( 16 ) . Family involvement should be considered if appropriate , especially in older adults ( 17 ) . Patient information should be culturally appropriate ; underst and able and actionable by people with limited literacy skills ; and accessible to those with physical , sensory , or learning needs ( 18 ) . As part of the patient-centered care approach to diabetes management , clinicians should explore with the patient the outcomes of previous opportunities for shared decision making , their ability to self-manage , prior efforts to change health behaviors , past treatment experiences ( including reasons for discontinuing treatment ) , and relevant clinical outcomes . In actively sharing decisions , they should involve the patient in prioritizing problems to be addressed and setting specific goals regardless of the setting or level of care . Assess Patient Characteristics and Nonglycemic Factors When Interpreting Results of Hemoglobin A1c , Fructosamine , and Other Glycemic Biomarker Testing Many factors affect measurement of hemoglobin A1c ( HbA1c ) besides the level of glycemia ( 19 ) . Because HbA1c level depends on the duration of erythrocyte exposure to glucose , conditions that alter erythrocyte life span affect the measured level of HbA1c ( 20 , 21 ) . Iron deficiency anemia , which prolongs erythrocyte life span and exposes the cell to glucose for a longer period , is associated with falsely elevated HbA1c levels ( 22 ) . In contrast , conditions that shorten erythrocyte life span ( such as hemolytic anemia ) may result in falsely low HbA1c levels . Various other conditions , such as chronic kidney disease , may alter HbA1c measurement . Hemoglobin variants can result in falsely elevated or falsely lowered HbA1c levels , depending on the assay used ( 2325 ) . In addition , oral hypoglycemic agents ( metformin or sulfonylureas ) may alter the relationship between blood glucose and HbA1c levels , although the clinical significance is unclear ( 26 ) . There are also racial/ethnic differences in HbA1c levels for a given level of glycemia . A previous study found that African Americans with prediabetes ( 27 ) had HbA1c values that were 0.4 % higher than among white persons ; those who were within 3 years of diagnosis ( 28 ) also had higher HbA1c values than white persons for any measure of glycemia . This difference can not be explained by measured differences in glycemia , clinical factors known to affect HbA1c measurement , or sociodemographic factors ( 27 , 28 ) . Therefore , it is recommended that a new diagnosis of diabetes be based on a confirmatory fasting blood glucose level of at least 7.0 mmol/L ( 126 mg/dL ) if the initial HbA1c value is 6.5 % to 6.9 % . How and where the HbA1c level is measured can also affect results because of intralaboratory variation ( variation in test accuracy and precision ) and interlaboratory variation ( variation related to use of different test methods ) . A single HbA1c measurement , even from a Background Across the developed world , we are witnessing an increasing emphasis on the need for more closely coordinated forms of health and social care provision . Integrated care pathways ( ICPs ) have emerged as a response to this aspiration and are believed by many to address the factors which contribute to service integration . ICPs map out a patient 's journey , providing coordination of services for users . They aim to have : ' the right people , doing the right things , in the right order , at the right time , in the right place , with the right outcome ' . The value for ICPs in supporting the delivery of care across organisational boundaries , providing greater consistency in practice , improving service continuity and increasing collaboration has been advocated by many . However , there is little evidence to support their use , and the need for systematic evaluations in order to measure their effectiveness has been widely identified . A recent Cochrane review assessed the effects of ICPs on functional outcome , process of care , quality of life and hospitalisation costs of in patients with acute stroke , but did not specifically focus on service integration or its derivatives . To the best of our knowledge , no such systematic review of the literature exists . Objectives To systematic ally review all high‐ quality studies which have evaluated the impact of care pathway technologies on ' service integration ' and its derivatives in stroke care To examine how elements of service integration are defined in such studies To examine the type of evidence utilised to measure service integration To analyse the weight of evidence used to support cl aims about the effectiveness of ICPs on improving service integration To produce recommendations for ICP developers , users and evaluators . Inclusion criteria Types of participants The review focused on the care of adult patients who had suffered a stroke . It included the full spectrum of services ‐ acute care , rehabilitation and long‐term support ‐ in hospital and community setting s. Types of intervention(s)/phenomena of interest Integrated care pathways were the intervention of interest , defined for the purpose of this review as ' a multidisciplinary tool to improve the quality and efficiency of evidence based care and is used as a communication tool between professionals to manage and st and ardise the outcome orientated care ' . Here ' multidisciplinary ' is taken to refer to the involvement of two or more disciplines . Types of outcomes Service integration ' was the outcome of interest however , this was defined and measured in the selected studies . Types of studies This review was concerned with how ' service integration ' was defined in evaluations of ICPs ; the type of evidence utilised in measuring the impact of the intervention and the weight of evidence to support the effectiveness of care pathway technologies on ' service integration ' . Studies that made an explicit link between ICPs and service integration were included in the review . Evidence generated from r and omised controlled trials , quasi‐experimental , qualitative and health economics research was sought . The search was limited to publications after 1980 , coinciding with the emergence of ICPs in the healthcare context . Assessment for inclusion of foreign papers was based on the English‐ language abstract , where available . These were included only if an English translation was available . Exclusion criteria This review excluded studies that : focused only on a single aspect of stroke care ( e.g. dysphasia ) evaluated ICPs as part of a wider program of service development did not make an explicit link between ICPs and service integration did not meet the definition of ICP utilised for the purpose s of the review focused exclusively on the outcomes of variance analysis Search strategy In order to avoid replication , the Joanna Briggs Institute for Evidence Based Nursing and Midwifery Data base and the Cochrane Library were search ed to establish that no systematic review s existed and none were in progress . A three‐stage search strategy was then used to identify both published and unpublished studies ( see Appendix III ) . Data collection Our search strategy located 2123 papers , of which 39 were retrieved for further evaluation . We critically appraised seven papers , representing five studies . These were all evaluation studies and , as is typical in this field , comprised a range of study design s and data collection methods . Owing to the diversity of the study types included in the review , we developed a single‐ appraisal checklist and data ‐ extraction tool which could be applied to all research design s.32 The tool drew on the Joanna Briggs Institute ( JBI ) appraisal checklists for experimental studies and interpretive and critical research , and also incorporated specific information and issues which were relevant for our purpose s ( see Appendix VI ) . This extends the thinking outlined in Lyne et al.31 in which , drawing on Campbell and Stanley 's classic paper , the case is made for developing an appraisal tool which is applicable to all types of evaluation , irrespective of study design . In assessing the quality of the papers , we were sympathetic to the method ological challenges of evaluating complex interventions such as ICPs . We were also cognisant of the very real constraints in which service evaluations are frequently undertaken in healthcare context s. In accordance with the aims of this particular review , we have included studies , which are method ologically weaker than is typical of many systematic review s because , in our view , in the absence of stronger evidence , they yield useful information . Data synthesis Given the heterogeneity of the included studies , meta‐ analysis and /or qualitative synthesis was not possible . A narrative summary of the study findings is presented . Results ICPs can be effective in ensuring that patients receive relevant clinical interventions and /or assessment s in a timely manner , although these improvements may reflect better documentation rather than actual changes in practice . ICPs can be effective in improving the documentation of rehabilitation goals , documentation of communication with patients , carers ( diagnosis , prognosis and follow‐up arrangements ) and documentation of notification of primary care physicians of discharge . However , this can create additional burdens of work for staff . Early studies of  ICP‐managed care in the acute stroke context have demonstrated reduced length of stay without any associated adverse effects on discharge destination , morbidity or mortality . These effects do not reach statistical significance , however , and may reflect wider changes in service provision and a general trend towards reduced length of hospital stay . While later studies in the acute and rehabilitation context s do not reveal any significant reduction in length of stay , they do report greater documented use of certain clinical interventions and assessment s , suggesting that ICPs can be effective in mobilising hospital re sources around the patient . ICPs implemented in the context of acute stroke care can be effective in reducing the occurrence of urinary tract infections , although we do not know whether this can be attributed to improved service integration . ICP management in stroke rehabilitation may not be flexible enough to meet diverse patient needs and can result in insufficient attention to higher‐level functioning and carer needs influencing perceptions of quality of life . ICP management may assist in clarifying role boundaries and a shared underst and ing of the work , but this can result in some members of the disciplinary team perceiving that their contribution is not appropriately reflected in the documentation . There is some evidence that ICPs may be effective in changing professional behaviours in the desired direction where there is scope for improvement , but in situations in which multidisciplinary working is effective , their positive effects may be limited . Furthermore , it is far from clear what the active ingredients of ICPs actually are . Kwan et al. suggest that it was the process of ICP development that had most impact on behaviours rather than the use of the artefact per se.20 None of the studies assessed the balance of costs and benefits of ICP use . Therefore , we do not know whether the costs of ICP development and implementation are justified by any of the reported benefits . Conclusions Implication s for practice There is some evidence that ICPs may support certain elements of service integration in the context of stroke care . This seems to be as a result of their ability to support the timely implementation of clinical interventions and the mobilisation of re sources around the patient without incurring additional increases in length of stay . ICPs appear to be most successful in improving service coordination in the acute stroke context where patient care trajectories are predictable . Their value in the context of rehabilitation setting s in which recovery pathways are more variable is less clear . There is some evidence that ICPs may be effective in bringing about behavioural changes in context s where deficiencies in service provision have been identified . Their value in context s where inter‐professional working is well established is less clear . While earlier before and after studies show a reduction in length of stay in ICP‐managed care , this may reflect wider healthcare trends , and the failure of later studies to demonstrate further reductions suggests that there may be limits as to how far this can continue to be reduced . There is some evidence to suggest that ICPs bring about improvements in documentation , but we do not know how far documented practice reflects actual practice . It is unclear how ICPs have their effects and the relative importance of the process of development and the artefact in use . As none of the studies review ed included an economic evaluation , moreover , it remains unclear whether the benefits of ICPs Background Mobile health apps for diabetes self-management have different functions . However , the efficacy and safety of each function are not well studied , and no classification is available for these functions . Objective The aims of this study were to ( 1 ) develop and vali date a taxonomy of apps for diabetes self-management , ( 2 ) investigate the glycemic efficacy of  mobile app-based interventions among adults with diabetes in a systematic review of r and omized controlled trials ( RCTs ) , and ( 3 ) explore the contribution of different function to the effectiveness of entire app-based interventions using the taxonomy . Methods We developed a 3-axis taxonomy with columns of clinical modules , rows of functional modules and cells of functions with risk assessment s. This taxonomy was vali date d by review ing and classifying commercially available diabetes apps . We search ed MEDLINE , EMBASE , the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials , the Chinese Biomedical Literature Data base , and Clinical Trials.gov from January 2007 to May 2016 . We included RCTs of adult out patients with diabetes that compared using  mobile app-based interventions with usual care alone . The mean differences ( MDs ) in hemoglobin A1c ( HbA1c ) concentrations and risk ratios of adverse events were pooled using a r and om-effects meta- analysis . After taxonomic classification , we performed exploratory subgroup analyses of the presence or absence of each module across the included app-based interventions . Results Across 12 included trials involving 974 participants , using app-based interventions was associated with a clinical ly significant reduction of HbA1c ( MD 0.48 % , 95 % CI 0.19%-0.78 % ) without excess adverse events . Larger HbA1c reductions were noted among patients with type 2 diabetes than those with type 1 diabetes ( MD 0.67 % , 95 % CI 0.30%-1.03 % vs MD 0.37 % , 95 % CI –0.12%-0.86 % ) . Having a complication prevention module in app-based interventions was associated with a greater HbA1c reduction ( with complication prevention : MD 1.31 % , 95 % CI 0.66%-1.96 % vs without : MD 0.38 % , 95 % CI 0.09%-0.67 % ; intersubgroup P=.01 ) , as was having a structured display ( with structured display : MD 0.69 % , 95 % CI 0.32%-1.06 % vs without : MD 0.69 % , 95 % CI –0.18%-0.53 % ; intersubgroup P=.03 ) . However , having a clinical decision-making function was not associated with a larger HbA1c reduction ( with clinical decision making : MD 0.19 % , 95 % CI –0.24%-0.63 % vs without : MD 0.61 % , 95 % CI 0.27%-0.95 % ; intersubgroup P=.14 ) . Conclusions The use of mobile app-based interventions yields a clinical ly significant HbA1c reduction among adult out patients with diabetes , especially among those with type 2 diabetes . Our study suggests that the clinical decision-making function needs further improvement and evaluation before being added to apps UNLABELLED EXECUTIVE SUMMARY : BACKGROUND Across the developed world , we are witnessing an increasing emphasis on the need for more closely coordinated forms of health and social care provision . Integrated care pathways ( ICPs ) have emerged as a response to this aspiration and are believed by many to address the factors which contribute to service integration . ICPs map out a patient 's journey , providing coordination of services for users . They aim to have : ' the right people , doing the right things , in the right order , at the right time , in the right place , with the right outcome ' . The value for ICPs in supporting the delivery of care across organisational boundaries , providing greater consistency in practice , improving service continuity and increasing collaboration has been advocated by many . However , there is little evidence to support their use , and the need for systematic evaluations in order to measure their effectiveness has been widely identified . A recent Cochrane review assessed the effects of ICPs on functional outcome , process of care , quality of life and hospitalisation costs of in patients with acute stroke , but did not specifically focus on service integration or its derivatives . To the best of our knowledge , no such systematic review of the literature exists . OBJECTIVES • To systematic ally review all high- quality studies which have evaluated the impact of care pathway technologies on ' service integration ' and its derivatives in stroke care • To examine how elements of service integration are defined in such studies • To examine the type of evidence utilised to measure service integration • To analyse the weight of evidence used to support cl aims about the effectiveness of ICPs on improving service integration • To produce recommendations for ICP developers , users and evaluators . INCLUSION CRITERIA Types of participants The review focused on the care of adult patients who had suffered a stroke . It included the full spectrum of services - acute care , rehabilitation and long-term support - in hospital and community setting s. Types of intervention(s)/phenomena of interest Integrated care pathways were the intervention of interest , defined for the purpose of this review as ' a multidisciplinary tool to improve the quality and efficiency of evidence based care and is used as a communication tool between professionals to manage and st and ardise the outcome orientated care ' Here ' multidisciplinary ' is taken to refer to the involvement of two or more disciplines . Types of outcomes ' Service integration ' was the outcome of interest however , this was defined and measured in the selected studies . Types of studies This review was concerned with how ' service integration ' was defined in evaluations of ICPs ; the type of evidence utilised in measuring the impact of the intervention and the weight of evidence to support the effectiveness of care pathway technologies on ' service integration ' . Studies that made an explicit link between ICPs and service integration were included in the review . Evidence generated from r and omised controlled trials , quasi-experimental , qualitative and health economics research was sought . The search was limited to publications after 1980 , coinciding with the emergence of ICPs in the healthcare context . Assessment for inclusion of foreign papers was based on the English- language abstract , where available . These were included only if an English translation was available . EXCLUSION CRITERIA This review excluded studies that : • focused only on a single aspect of stroke care ( e.g. dysphasia ) • evaluated ICPs as part of a wider program of service development • did not make an explicit link between ICPs and service integration • did not meet the definition of ICP utilised for the purpose s of the review • focused exclusively on the outcomes of variance analysis SEARCH STRATEGY In order to avoid replication , the Joanna Briggs Institute for Evidence Based Nursing and Midwifery Data base and the Cochrane Library were search ed to establish that no systematic review s existed and none were in progress . A three-stage search strategy was then used to identify both published and unpublished studies ( see Appendix III ) . DATA COLLECTION Our search strategy located 2123 papers , of which 39 were retrieved for further evaluation . We critically appraised seven papers , representing five studies . These were all evaluation studies and , as is typical in this field , comprised a range of study design s and data collection methods . Owing to the diversity of the study types included in the review , we developed a single- appraisal checklist and data - extraction tool which could be applied to all research design s.(32 ) The tool drew on the Joanna Briggs Institute ( JBI ) appraisal checklists for experimental studies and interpretive and critical research , and also incorporated specific information and issues which were relevant for our purpose s ( see Appendix VI ) . This extends the thinking outlined in Lyne et al.(31 ) in which , drawing on Campbell and Stanley 's classic paper , the case is made for developing an appraisal tool which is applicable to all types of evaluation , irrespective of study design . In assessing the quality of the papers , we were sympathetic to the method ological challenges of evaluating complex interventions such as ICPs . We were also cognisant of the very real constraints in which service evaluations are frequently undertaken in healthcare context s. In accordance with the aims of this particular review , we have included studies , which are method ologically weaker than is typical of many systematic review s because , in our view , in the absence of stronger evidence , they yield useful information . DATA SYNTHESIS Given the heterogeneity of the included studies , meta- analysis and /or qualitative synthesis was not possible . A narrative summary of the study findings is presented . RESULTS 1 ICPs can be effective in ensuring that patients receive relevant clinical interventions and /or assessment s in a timely manner , although these improvements may reflect better documentation rather than actual changes in practice . 2 ICPs can be effective in improving the documentation of rehabilitation goals , documentation of communication with patients , carers ( diagnosis , prognosis and follow-up arrangements ) and documentation of notification of primary care physicians of discharge . However , this can create additional burdens of work for staff . 3 Early studies of ICP-managed care in the acute stroke context have demonstrated reduced length of stay without any associated adverse effects on discharge destination , morbidity or mortality . These effects do not reach statistical significance , however , and may reflect wider changes in service provision and a general trend towards reduced length of hospital stay . While later studies in the acute and rehabilitation context s do not reveal any significant reduction in length of stay , they do report greater documented use of certain clinical interventions and assessment s , suggesting that ICPs can be effective in mobilising hospital re sources around the patient . 4 ICPs implemented in the context of acute stroke care can be effective in reducing the occurrence of urinary tract infections , although we do not know whether this can be attributed to improved service integration . 5 ICP management in stroke rehabilitation may not be flexible enough to meet diverse patient needs and can result in insufficient attention to higher-level functioning and carer needs influencing perceptions of quality of life . 6 ICP management may assist in clarifying role boundaries and a shared underst and ing of the work , but this can result in some members of the disciplinary team perceiving that their contribution is not appropriately reflected in the documentation . 7 There is some evidence that ICPs may be effective in changing professional behaviours in the desired direction where there is scope for improvement , but in situations in which multidisciplinary working is effective , their positive effects may be limited . Furthermore , it is far from clear what the active ingredients of ICPs actually are . Kwan et al. suggest that it was the process of ICP development that had most impact on behaviours rather than the use of the artefact per se.(20 ) 8 None of the studies assessed the balance of costs and benefits of ICP  use . Therefore , we do not know whether the costs of ICP development and implementation are justified by any of the reported benefits . CONCLUSIONS Implication s for practice There is some evidence that ICPs may support certain elements of service integration in the context of stroke care . This seems to be as a result of their ability to support the timely implementation of clinical interventions and the mobilisation of re sources around the patient without incurring additional increases in length of stay .  ICPs appear to be most successful in improving service coordination in the acute stroke context where patient care trajectories are predictable . Their value in the context of rehabilitation setting s in which recovery pathways are more variable is less clear . There is some evidence that ICPs may be effective in bringing about behavioural changes in context s where deficiencies in service provision have been identified . Their value in context s where inter-professional working is well established is less clear . While earlier before and after studies show a reduction in length of stay in ICP-managed care , this may reflect wider healthcare trends , and the failure of later studies to demonstrate further reductions suggests that there may be limits as to how far this can continue to be reduced . There is some evidence to suggest that ICPs bring about improvements in documentation , but we do not know how far documented practice reflects actual practice . It is unclear how ICPs have their effects and the relative importance of the process of development and the artefact in use . ( ABSTRACT TRUNCATED BACKGROUND Less than 63 % of individuals with diabetes meet professional guidelines target of hemoglobin A1c < 7.0 % , and only 7 % meet combined glycemic , lipid , and blood pressure goals . The primary study aim was to assess the impact on A1c of a cell phone-based diabetes management software system used with web-based data analytics and therapy optimization tools . Secondary aims examined health care provider ( HCP ) adherence to prescribing guidelines and assessed HCPs ' adoption of the technology . METHODS Thirty patients with type 2 diabetes were recruited from three community physician practice s for a 3-month study and evenly r and omized . The intervention group received cell phone-based software design ed by endocrinologists and CDEs ( WellDoc Communications , Inc. , Baltimore , MD ) . The software provided real-time feedback on patients ' blood glucose levels , displayed patients ' medication regimens , incorporated hypo- and hyperglycemia treatment algorithms , and requested additional data needed to evaluate diabetes management . Patient data captured and transferred to secure servers were analyzed by proprietary statistical algorithms . The system sent computer-generated logbooks ( with suggested treatment plans ) to intervention patients ' HCPs . RESULTS The average decrease in A1c for intervention patients was 2.03 % , compared to 0.68 % ( P < 0.02 , one-tailed ) for control patients . Of the intervention patients , 84 % had medications titrated or changed by their HCP compared to controls ( 23 % , P = 0.002 ) . Intervention patients ' HCPs reported the system facilitated treatment decisions , provided organized data , and reduced logbook review time . CONCLUSIONS Adults with type 2 diabetes using WellDoc 's software achieved statistically significant improvements in A1c . HCP and patient satisfaction with the system was clinical ly and statistically significant Background Adoptions of health behaviors are crucial for maintaining good health after type 2 diabetes mellitus ( T2DM ) diagnoses . However , adherence to glucoregulating behaviors like regular exercise and balanced diet can be challenging , especially for people living in lower-socioeconomic status ( SES ) communities . Providing cost-effective interventions that improve self-management is important for improving quality of life and the sustainability of health care systems . Objective To evaluate a health coach intervention with and without the use of mobile phones to support health behavior change in patients with type 2 diabetes . Methods In this noninferiority , pragmatic r and omized controlled trial ( RCT ) , patients from two primary care health centers in Toronto , Canada , with type 2 diabetes and a glycated hemoglobin/hemoglobin A1c ( HbA1c ) level of ≥7.3 % ( 56.3 mmol/mol ) were r and omized to receive 6 months of health coaching with or without mobile phone monitoring support . We hypothesized that both approaches would result in significant HbA1c reductions , although health coaching with mobile phone monitoring would result in significantly larger effects . Participants were evaluated at baseline , 3 months , and 6 months . The primary outcome was the change in HbA1c from baseline to 6 months ( difference between and within groups ) . Other outcomes included weight , waist circumference , body mass index ( BMI ) , satisfaction with life , depression and anxiety ( Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale [ HADS ] ) , positive and negative affect ( Positive and Negative Affect Schedule [ PANAS ] ) , and quality of life ( Short Form Health Survey-12 [ SF-12 ] ) . Results A total of 138 patients were r and omized and 7 were excluded for a sub study ; of the remaining 131 , 67 were allocated to the intervention group and 64 to the control group  . Primary outcome data were available for 97 participants ( 74.0 % ) . While both groups reduced their HbA1c levels , there were no significant between-group differences in change of HbA1c at 6 months using intention-to-treat ( last observation carried forward [ LOCF ] ) ( P=.48 ) or per- protocol ( P=.83 ) principles . However , the intervention group did achieve an accelerated HbA1c reduction , leading to a significant between-group difference at 3 months ( P=.03 ) . This difference was reduced at the 6-month follow-up as the control group continued to improve , achieving a reduction of 0.81 % ( 8.9 mmol/mol ) ( P=.001 ) compared with a reduction of 0.84 % ( 9.2 mmol/mol)(P=.001 ) in the intervention group . Intervention group participants also had significant decreases in weight ( P=.006 ) and waist circumference ( P=.01 ) while controls did not . Both groups reported improvements in mood , satisfaction with life , and quality of life .  Conclusions Health coaching with and without access to mobile technology appeared to improve glucoregulation and mental health in a lower-SES , T2DM population . The accelerated improvement in the mobile phone group suggests the connectivity provided may more quickly improve adoption and adherence to health behaviors within a clinical diabetes management program . Overall , health coaching in primary care appears to lead to significant benefits for patients from lower-SES communities with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes . Trial Registration Clinical Trials.gov NCT02036892 ; http:// clinical trials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02036892 ( Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/6b3cJYJOD
In addition , the more CCM-incorporated the information technology-based interventions were , the more improvements there were in HbA1c levels .
CONCLUSIONS Information technology strategies combined with the other elements of chronic care models are associated with improved glycemic control in people with diabetes .
No clinical ly relevant impact was observed on low-density lipoprotein levels and blood pressure , but there was evidence that the cost of care was lower
BACKGROUND Information technology-based interventions are increasingly being used to manage health care .
However , there is conflicting evidence regarding whether these interventions improve outcomes in people with type 2 diabetes .
OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to conduct a systematic review and meta- analysis of clinical trials , assessing the impact of information technology on changes in the levels of hemoglobin A1c ( HbA1c ) and mapping the interventions with chronic care model ( CCM ) elements .