[Peer training for patients with diabetes mellitus 2. A quantitative and qualitative evaluation in the Basque Country and Andalusia]. / La formación entre iguales para pacientes con diabetes mellitus 2. Una evaluación cuantitativa y cualitativa en el País Vasco y Andalucía.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate a peer training strategy for patients with type2 diabetes mellitus, developed in two training programmes in the Basque Country and Andalusia. DESIGN: Quantitative pre- and post-intervention and qualitative evaluation, developed between 2012 and 2014. PLACE: The Basque Country and Andalusia. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 409 patients and trainer-patients, participating in self-management peer training programmes. Intentional sample of 44 patients for the qualitative study. METHOD: Bivariate analysis and net gains for common variables used in questionnaires in the Basque Country and Andalusia: self-reported health, daily activities, physical activity, use of health services, and self-management. Content analysis of 8 focus groups with patients and trainer-patients, including: coding, categorisation, and triangulation of results. RESULTS: Peer training has a positive impact on physical activity, the use of health services, and self-management, with some gender differences. The peer-training strategy is considered positive, as it strengthens the patient-health provider relationship, generates group support and self-confidence, and improves the emotional management. Patients identify two areas of potential improvement: access and continuity of training strategies, and more support and recognition from health providers and institutions. CONCLUSIONS: The positive impact on health and quality of life that this patient peer-training provides, requires the collaboration of health professionals and institutions, which should improve the access, continuity and adaptation to patient needs and expectations.

Impact of a self-care education programme on patients with type 2 diabetes in primary care in the Basque Country.

BACKGROUND: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) is a disease with high prevalence and significant impact in terms of mortality and morbidity. The increased prevalence of the disease requires the implementation of new strategies to promote patient self-management. The Spanish Diabetes Self-Management Program (SDSMP) has proven to be effective in other settings. The objective of this study is to assess its effectiveness in terms of care for DM2 patients in primary care settings within the Basque Health Service - Osakidetza (Spain). METHOD/DESIGN: This is a randomised clinical trial in which patients diagnosed with DM2, 18-79 years of age, from four health regions within the Basque Health Service will be randomised into two groups: an intervention group, who will follow the SDSMP, and a control group, who will receive usual care in accordance with the clinical guidelines for DM2 and existing regulations in our region. The intervention consists of 2,5 hour-group sessions once a week for six weeks. The sessions cover target setting and problem solving techniques, promotion of physical exercise, basic knowledge of nutrition, proper use of medication, effective communication with relatives and health professionals, and basic knowledge about DM2 and its complications. This content is complemented by educational material: books, leaflets and CDs. The primary outcome measure will be the change in glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), and secondary outcome measures will include changes in levels of physical activity and intake of fruit and vegetables, cardiovascular risk, quality of life, self-efficacy, number of consultations and drug prescriptions. The results will be analysed 6, 12 and 24 months after the intervention. DISCUSSION: If the intervention were to be effective, the programme should be spread to the entire diabetic population in the Basque Country and it could also be applied for other diseases. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT01642394.

Efficacy of a self-management education programme on patients with type 2 diabetes in primary care: A randomised controlled trial.

AIM: The purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy of the Spanish Diabetes Self-Management Program (SDSMP) versus usual care in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) residing in a Spanish region. METHODS: A two-year follow-up randomised controlled trial. The intervention consisted of 6 weekly structured peer-to-peer workshops. The primary outcome was change in HbA1c levels. Secondary outcomes included other clinical measures, quality of life, self-efficacy, life-style changes, medication and use of healthcare services. Mixed effect models were fitted. RESULTS: n=297 patients were recruited in each study arm. Baseline HbA1c levels were comparable in both groups with an overall mean 7.1 (SD=1.2). The intervention did not significantly modify HbA1c, or other cardiovascular variables. Significant improvements were seen in self-efficacy, and in particularly its disease control component. Certain differences were also observed in the use of healthcare resources and medication consumption. High workshop participation and satisfaction rates were achieved. CONCLUSION: HbA1c reductions are difficult to obtain in adequately controlled patients. On the other hand, raising awareness on one's disease can increase disease control self-efficacy. This finding, accompanied by reduced medication consumption and healthcare use rates, highlights that usual care would be benefited by incorporating certain SDSMP aspects. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT01642394.

A Pilot Study to Assess the Feasibility of the Spanish Diabetes Self-Management Program in the Basque Country.

Purpose. The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility of the Spanish Diabetes Self-Management Program (SDSMP) in the primary care setting of the Basque Health Service and offer initial estimations of the randomized controlled trial (RCT) effects. Methods. Ten health centers (HCs) participated in a single-arm pilot study with a 6-month follow-up period between February 2011 and June 2012. Recruitment was performed via invitation letters, health professionals, and the local media. Each intervention group consisted of 8-15 people. The ability of each HC in forming up to 2 groups, participants' compliance with the course, and coordination and data collection issues were evaluated. Glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) was the main outcome variable. Secondary outcomes were cardiovascular risk factors, drugs consumption, medical visits, quality of life, self-efficacy, physical exercise, and diet. Results. Two HCs did not organize a course. A total of 173 patients initiated the program, 2 dropped out without baseline data, and 90% completed it. No pre-post HbA1c differences existed. Certain improvements were observed in blood pressure control, self-efficacy, physical activity, and some dietary habits. Conclusion. The SDSMP is feasible in our setting. Our experience can be of interest when planning and conducting this program in similar health settings. The trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT01642394.

La formación entre iguales para pacientes con diabetes mellitus 2. Una evaluación cuantitativa y cualitativa en el País Vasco y Andalucía / Peer training for patients with diabetes mellitus 2. A quantitative and qualitative evaluation in the Basque Country and Andalusia

OBJETIVO: Evaluar la estrategia formativa entre iguales para pacientes con diabetes mellitus tipo 2 de los programas «Paciente Activo» (País Vasco) y «Escuela de Pacientes» (Andalucía). DISEÑO: Diseño mixto cuantitativo/cualitativo de evaluación pre/post de los programas de formación llevado a cabo entre 2012 y 2014. Emplazamiento: País Vasco y Andalucía. PARTICIPANTES: Un total de 409 pacientes y pacientes-formadores, participantes en la formación entre iguales. Muestreo intencional de 44 pacientes para el estudio cualitativo. MÉTODO: Análisis estadístico bivariante y ganancias netas de las variables comunes de cuestionarios pre/post del País Vasco y Andalucía: salud autopercibida, actividades diarias, ejercicio físico, uso de servicios sanitarios y autocuidados. Análisis de contenido de 8 grupos focales con pacientes y pacientes-formadores, incluyendo: codificación, árbol de categorías y triangulación de resultados. RESULTADOS: La formación entre iguales incide positivamente en la realización de ejercicio físico, uso de recursos sanitarios y autoeficacia en los cuidados, con diferencias por género en algunas dimensiones. La formación se valora positivamente en cuanto que: favorece la relación de los/las pacientes con el personal sanitario, genera apoyo grupal y autoconfianza y facilita la gestión emocional. Las áreas de mejora identificadas son: acceso y continuidad de la formación, y aceptación y apoyo por parte del personal y las instituciones sanitarias. CONCLUSIONES: Los beneficios en salud y calidad de vida promovidos a través de la formación entre iguales requiere la colaboración de las instituciones y personal sanitario, que deben facilitar el acceso, la continuidad y la adecuación de los contenidos a las necesidades y expectativas de los/las pacientes

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate a peer training strategy for patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, developed in two training programmes in the Basque Country and Andalusia. DESIGN: Quantitative pre- and post-intervention and qualitative evaluation, developed between 2012 and 2014. Place: The Basque Country and Andalusia. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 409 patients and trainer-patients, participating in self-management peer training programmes. Intentional sample of 44 patients for the qualitative study. METHOD: Bivariate analysis and net gains for common variables used in questionnaires in the Basque Country and Andalusia: self-reported health, daily activities, physical activity, use of health services, and self-management. Content analysis of 8 focus groups with patients and trainer-patients, including: coding, categorisation, and triangulation of results. RESULTS: Peer training has a positive impact on physical activity, the use of health services, and self-management, with some gender differences. The peer-training strategy is considered positive, as it strengthens the patient-health provider relationship, generates group support and self-confidence, and improves the emotional management. Patients identify two areas of potential improvement: access and continuity of training strategies, and more support and recognition from health providers and institutions. CONCLUSIONS: The positive impact on health and quality of life that this patient peer-training provides, requires the collaboration of health professionals and institutions, which should improve the access, continuity and adaptation to patient needs and expectations