An intensive and personalised care planning programme improves clinical outcomes in patients with diabetic retinopathy:a pilot randomised controlled trial

摘要

Background:Using a pilot randomised controlled trial(RCT),to assess the short-term effectiveness of a structured diabetic retinopathy(DR)-specific,intensive,and personalised care planning(DR-IPCP)intervention on diabetes control outcomes in Singaporeans with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes.Methods:Eighteen individuals with mild-moderate DR and poor glycemic control[HbA1c≥64 mmol/mol(≥8.0%)over two consecutive 6-month readings]were randomized to DR-IPCP(n=9)or usual care(UC,n=9).The intervention included a physician consultation,an initial personalised eye consultation with a experienced diabetes nurse educator,and three behaviour change follow-up calls.HbA1c(primary outcome),lipids and blood pressure were assessed at baseline and three months post-intervention.Participant feedback regarding the DR-IPCP program was collected at three months via a semi-structured telephone interview.Results:While no significant between-group differences were observed,DR-IPCP participants experienced significant within-group reductions in HbA1c,total cholesterol,and low density lipoprotein at follow-up compared to baseline[7 mmol/mol(−0.8%),−0.64 mmol/L,and−0.66 mmol/L,respectively].No significant within-group changes in these parameters were observed in the UC group.Following the DR-IPCP intervention,participants reported a clearer understanding of the link between diabetes management;the development and progression of DR.Conclusions:DR-IPCP provides an effective short-term improvement in diabetes control parameters in DR patients with poor diabetes control.An adequately powered and longitudinal RCT is warranted to assess the clinical,patient-centred and economic potential of this programme in this population.