Effects of 'Ubiquitous Healthcare' on the Ability of Self-Management in Elderly Diabetic Patients.
- Author:
Sung Hoon YU
1
;
Sun Hee KIM
;
So Yeon KIM
;
Sung Hee CHOI
;
Soo LIM
;
Yoon Seok CHANG
;
Hak Jong LEE
;
Young Joo PARK
;
Hak Chul JANG
Author Information
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords: Aged; Diabetes mellitus; Self care; Blood glucose self-monitoring; Health services research
- MeSH: Aged; Beverages; Blood Glucose; Blood Glucose Self-Monitoring; Cellular Phone; Delivery of Health Care; Diabetes Mellitus; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; Diet, Diabetic; Health Services Research; Humans; Organization and Administration; Patient Satisfaction; Pilot Projects; Self Care; Socioeconomic Factors
- From:Korean Diabetes Journal 2009;33(1):58-64
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
- Abstract: 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.
