The effectiveness of patient-centered care vs. usual care in type 2 diabetes self-management: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND: Patient-centered care in diabetes self-management might be a significant factor in improving health outcomes of adults with type 2 diabetes, yet the supporting evidence is inadequate. This review aimed at assessing the effectiveness of patient-centered self-management care interventions on glycemic control (HbA1c) and self-care behaviors compared with usual care. METHODS: CINAHL, PubMed, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, and the HEC Digital Library were searched for studies in English language that assessed patient-centered self-management educational and/or behavioral interventions in adults aged 18 years or older with type 2 diabetes from 2005 to 2020. Interventional studies with at least 3 months of follow-up and reporting on self-care outcomes such as glycemic control (HbA1c) and self-care behaviors including diet control, physical activity, foot care, and medication adherence were included. RESULTS: Of 168 identified records, 24 were found eligible comprising 20 RCTs and four QESs with total 4,083 participants. The meta-analysis involved 19 RCTs that provided enough information for a pooled estimate of HbA1c. Compared with the control group, patient-centered self-management interventions significantly lowered HbA1c, −0.56 (95% CI −0.79, −0.32). Stratified analysis for HbA1c with respect to various aspects of intervention showed larger effects in interventions employing both educational and behavioral components, −0.66 (95% CI −0.97, −0.34); spanned over shorter (<03 months) duration, −0.85 (95% CI −1.28, −0.43); administered by nurses, −0.80 (95% CI −1.44, −0.16); and delivered in community settings −0.70 (95% CI −1.14, −0.26). CONCLUSION: This systematic review provided evidence supporting the effectiveness of patient-centered self-management care interventions in improving glycemic control and self-care behaviors in adults with type 2 diabetes and identified key features of intervention contributing toward success.