Can patients educate patients? A feasibility study

Aims and Objectives: To assess the feasibility of conducting a randomised control trial to evaluate the effectiveness of a patient delivered education programme for Type 2 diabetes in a Welsh population and to explore a range of factors that could inform future delivery of such a programme. Design: A randomised case control study was deployed. 60 newly diagnosed Type 2 diabetes patients were recruited (40 into a treatment arm and 20 into a control arm). Participants were randomly allocated in to one of four groups. 2 Intervention groups (1 with 3 and one with 6 month follow up) and 2 groups with usual care (1 evaluated at 3 the other at 6 months). The Self-Management Program: consisted of 2.5-hour sessions once a week for six weeks delivered following a script by two layperson, trained tutors, one or both of whom had diabetes. During these session data was collected on BP, BMI Fingertip capillary samples for cholesterol and HbA1c. Questionnaires on health beliefs, empowerment, quality of life and depression were also collected. Results: Twenty-five (41%) of the 60 participants attended the final 6-month data collection appointment. Fourteen (56%) of which were in the group that had attended the 3-month data collection appointment, indicating a possible benefit of additional contact with research team during future studies. 31 of the 40 participants (77%) in the self-management group completed the study. HbA1c in the treatment arm was relatively unchanged (increase of 0.1%) six months post education whilst there was a 0.6% increase in the control group. Self-efficacy in relation to diet and exercise was relatively unchanged in the treatment arm while an increase in self-efficacy in areas focusing on blood sugars, healthcare use and diabetes control was observed. Conclusion: The evidence from this feasibility study supports the potential continued delivery of such a program possibility at a pan-Wales level. Being layperson led it is proposed to be a cost effective method of delivering self-management skills