Peer support in type 2 diabetes: a randomised controlled trial in primary care with parallel economic and qualitative analyses: pilot study and protocol
2007

Peer Support in Type 2 Diabetes: A Randomised Controlled Trial

Sample size: 410 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Paul Gillian, Smith Susan M, Whitford David L, O'Shea Eamon, O'Kelly Fergus, O'Dowd Tom

Primary Institution: Trinity College, Dublin

Hypothesis

Does a peer support intervention improve biophysical and psychosocial outcomes for patients with type 2 diabetes in a primary care setting?

Conclusion

The study aims to evaluate whether a peer support program for patients with type 2 diabetes improves health outcomes and is cost-effective.

Supporting Evidence

  • Peer support may reduce feelings of isolation and improve health behaviors.
  • Patients found peer support helpful in managing diabetes.
  • Peer supporters reported positive experiences in their roles.

Takeaway

This study is trying to see if having friends who understand diabetes can help people manage their condition better.

Methodology

A cluster randomised controlled trial involving 20 general practices, with patients randomly selected from diabetes registers.

Limitations

The study may face challenges in evaluating a complex intervention like peer support.

Participant Demographics

{"male":13,"mean_age":66,"mean_years_since_diagnosis":4,"entitled_to_medical_card":14,"smoker":3}

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1471-2296-8-45

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