title: Evaluating the impact of mobile telephone technology on type 2 diabetic patients' self-management: the NICHE pilot study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Utilizing information technology, such as Internet and cellphones, holds great promise in enhancing diabetic care. Yet few studies have examined the impact of cellphone technology on type 2 diabetics' self-care. The primary aim of the study is to examine the feasibility of utilizing this technology to assist with diabetes self-care in a clinic population as well as its impact on clinical outcomes.
  
  
  METHODS
  Thirty patients with a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes at two Community Health Centers were randomized to intervention or control. Intervention patients participated in a brief intervention and received tailored daily messages via cellphone prompting them to enhance their diabetic self-care behaviour. Patients at the control site continued with their standard diabetes self-management.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A mean improvement in HbA1c levels was apparent (-0.1, SD = 0.3%; P = 0.1534) in the intervention group, compared with a mean deterioration in the control (0.3, SD = 1.0%; P = 0.3813), yet without statistical significance. Self-efficacy scores improved significantly in the intervention group (-0.5, SD = 0.6; P = 0.0080) compared with no improvement in the control (0.0, SD = 1.0; P = 0.9060). Participants encountered numerous technological barriers when attempting to adhere to the intervention protocol.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The results indicate the intervention had a positive impact on some clinical outcome and self-efficacy. Although the technology appears feasible in a clinical setting technology must be made more user-friendly before a larger phase II trial is conducted.
authors: Prevention Research Center, Griffin Hospital, Derby, CT 06418, USA. zubaida.faridi@yalegriffinprc.org
authors: Zubaida
authors: Z
authors: Faridi
authors: Lauren
authors: L
authors: Liberti
authors: Kerem
authors: K
authors: Shuval
authors: Veronika
authors: V
authors: Northrup
authors: Ather
authors: A
authors: Ali
authors: David L
authors: DL
authors: Katz
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D040421:Cell Phone; D003237:Connecticut; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012648:Self Care