Efficacy of using telecare services for community-dwelling people with diabetes: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Objective

To evaluate the glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), blood pressure, self-efficacy, and quality of life efficacy of using telecare services for community-dwelling people with diabetes.

Methods

Cochrane Library, Web of Science, PsycINFO, PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, and Scopus databases were systematically searched from their inception dates to June 22, 2023. Two evaluators independently selected and evaluated eligible studies. A protocol was registered in PROSPERO.

Results

An analysis of 17 studies that included 3586 subjects showed that telecare significantly improved the management of patients with diabetes. Compared to controls, intervention care had significant benefits regarding HbA1c (MD = −0.30, 95 % CI = −0.44 – −0.17, 16 studies), systolic blood pressure (MD = −2.45, 95 % CI = −4.53 – −0.36, P = 0.02), self-efficacy (MD = 0.36, 95 % CI = 0.04 – 0.67, P = 0.03) and quality of life (MD = 0.37, 95 % CI = 0.05 – 0.70, P = 0.02). However, diastolic blood pressure (MD = −1.37, 95 % CI = −3.34 – −0.61, P = 0.17) was not found to be significantly affected.

Conclusions

Telecare is effective in improving self-management among community-dwelling people with diabetes, suggesting an effective means for them to achieve self-management.