Does the inclusion of a problem-solving component to standard care improve concordance with the self-management programme for adolescents living with diabetes?

Lewis, Alun

Abstract

To investigate if problem-solving activity, not used in the UK, could support UK adolescent’s living with diabetes to improve self-management of their condition leading to improvements in self-care and glycaemic control when delivered alongside usual care at paediatric and young adults’ diabetes clinics.
Method: A pilot study incorporating 23 Adolescents (13-18 years) with a diagnosis of Type 1 Diabetes of at least a year and with English as a primary language were randomised into a two arm (intervention based on the International Treatment Effectiveness Protocol (ITEP) node-mapping approach that addressed common aspects of non-adherence to life style factors via scenarios and personal experience to encourage behavioural change + usual care vs. education control DVD + usual care) randomised control trial.
Results: 23 participants completed a 3 month follow up within the required time scale. There was no change in the HbA1c levels for either group. The intervention group appeared to improve self-management on scores for the SCI following the intervention.
Conclusion: The study did not recruit substantial participants for a full powered study and any changes has to be treated with caution. As a pilot study it has helped identify protocols and processes that could lead to the delivery of a powered study. It received a grant from the InDependant Diabetes Trust and generated a number of learning outcomes that will support further research on its outcomes.

• Thesis Type: Thesis
• Keywords: problem-solving, adolescents, diabetes, self-management
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/810694
• Award Date: Oct 7, 2014