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KMID : 1199120090330010058
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Korean Diabetes Journal
2009 Volume.33 No. 1 p.58 ~ p.64
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Effects of ’Ubiquitous Healthcare’ on the Ability of Self-Management in Elderly Diabetic Patients
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Yoo Sung-Hoon
Choi Sung-Hee
Lim Soo
Chang Yoon-Seok
Lee Hak-Jong
Jang Hak-Chul
Kim Sun-Hee
Kim So-Yeon
Lim Soo
Park Young-Joo
Jang Hak-Chul
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Abstract
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Background: The need for a new healthcare system is growing due to the paradigm shift from health supervision to health maintenance. Previously, we performed a pilot study that examined the effectiveness of a ubiquitous healthcare (U-healthcare) diabetes management program which consists of self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) and mobile phone services for elderly patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. In this study, we investigated the effect of a diabetes management program using U-healthcare based on the self-care skills of elderly patients with diabetes mellitus.
Methods: From July to October 2005, 17 patients were recruited and provided with a blood glucometer with the ZigBee module and a mobile phone. In addition, the patients’ understanding of diabetes self-care skills was examined at the beginning and end of the study. At the end of the study, we determined the level of patient satisfaction regarding U-healthcare services.
Results: The patients’ test scores on their understanding of diabetes mellitus improved from 57.2 ± 20.7 to 72.7 ± 13.4%. Specifically, patient knowledge of the basic principles for a proper diabetic diet (52.9% vs. 82.4%, P = 0.046), foods that influence blood sugar level (41.2% vs. 76.5%, P = 0.007) and the influence of beverage choice (41.2% vs. 64.7%, P = 0.007), all increased. In addition, a significant increase in knowledge of living standards regarding diabetes mellitus was observed (64.7% vs. 88.2%, P = 0.0032).
Conclusion: We conclude that the U-healthcare incorporating SMBG could be promising, as it improves self-management skills of diabetes mellitus patients, as well as their understanding of the disease.
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KEYWORD
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Aged, Diabetes mellitus, Self care, Blood glucose self-monitoring, Health services research
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