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07-05-2016 | Psychosocial care | Review | Article

Social Support for Diabetes Self-Management via eHealth Interventions

Journal: Current Diabetes Reports

Authors: Allison Vorderstrasse, Allison Lewinski, Gail D’Eramo Melkus, Constance Johnson

Abstract

eHealth interventions have been increasingly used to provide social support for self-management of type 2 diabetes. In this review, we discuss social support interventions, types of support provided, sources or providers of support, outcomes of the support interventions (clinical, behavioral, psychosocial), and logistical and clinical considerations for support interventions using eHealth technologies. Many types of eHealth interventions demonstrated improvements in self-management behaviors, psychosocial outcomes, and clinical measures, particularly HbA1c. Important factors to consider in clinical application of eHealth support interventions include participant preferences, usability of eHealth technology, and availability of personnel to orient or assist participants. Overall, eHealth is a promising adjunct to clinical care as it addresses the need for ongoing support in chronic disease management.

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