Effectiveness of a Peer Support Program in Disease Management Regarding Improvement of Metabolic Control, Diabetes Management Self-Efficacy, Quality of Life, and Risk Profile (LT09-261)

• Location :

  Salzburg, Austria

  Topic :

  Diabetes complications

  Duration :

  August 1, 2010 - August 1, 2013

  Main Institution :

  Paracelsus Medical University

  Other institution :

  Salzburg General Hospital

  Principal investigator :

  Andreas Soennichsen

  Other investigator :

  Raimund Weitgasser; Henrike Winkler; Sophie Keller; Tim Johansson

  Amount allocated :

  USD 399,869

  Objectives :

  Knowledge and expertise regarding proper treatment of diabetes mellitus type 2 (T2DM) don’t translate well into diabetes care. Even disease management programs (DMP) appear to have rather small effects. Emphasizing patient self management and peer support are promising new approaches in diabetes care beyond DMP. We therefore propose a study evaluating a peer support program centered on patient self management. The intervention under investigation will be that peer groups of diabetic patients will exercise together, meet to talk about personal, social and emotional issues regarding diabetes and have access to support by MDs, dieticians, clinical psychologists and physical education trainers.