Cardiovascular risk education and social support (CaRESS): report of a randomized controlled trial from the Kentucky Ambulatory Network (KAN).
OBJECTIVE
Test a practice-based intervention to foster involvement of a relative or friend for the reduction of cardiovascular risk in patients with type 2 diabetes.


METHODS
We enrolled in a randomized controlled trial 199 patients and 108 support persons (SPs) from 18 practices within a practice-based research network. All patient participants had type 2 diabetes with suboptimal blood pressure control and were prepared to designate a SP. A subset of the patients also had dyslipidemia. All study visits were conducted at the practice sites where staff took standardized blood pressure measurements and collected blood samples. All patients completed one education session and received newsletters aimed at improving key health behaviors. Intervention group patients included their chosen SP in the education session and the SPs received newsletters.


RESULTS
After 9 to 12 months, the intervention had no significant effect on systolic blood pressure, HbA1C, health-related quality of life, patient satisfaction, medication adherence, or perceived health competence. Power was insufficient to detect an effect on low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Baseline cardiovascular risk values were not very high, with mean systolic blood pressure at 140 mm Hg; mean HbA1C at 7.6%; and mean low-density lipoprotein at 137 mg/dL. Patient health care satisfaction was high.


CONCLUSIONS
This practice-based intervention to foster social support for chronic care management among diabetics had no significant impact on the targeted outcomes.
Pearce
Kevin A
KA
Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington 40536-0284, USA. kpearce@email.uky.edu
Love
Margaret M
MM
Shelton
Brent J
BJ
Schoenberg
Nancy E
NE
Williamson
Mary A
MA
Barron
Mary A
MA
Houlihan
Jessica M
JM
D000553:Ambulatory Care / Q000379:methods*; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000150:complications*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007629:Kentucky / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D012307:Risk Factors; D012944:Social Support