title: Development and pilot test of a peer-support based Cardiac-Diabetes Self-Management Program: a study protocol.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  People with cardiac disease and type 2 diabetes have higher hospital readmission rates (22%) compared to those without diabetes (6%). Self-management is an effective approach to achieve better health outcomes; however there is a lack of specifically designed programs for patients with these dual conditions. This project aims to extend the development and pilot test of a Cardiac-Diabetes Self-Management Program incorporating user-friendly technologies and the preparation of lay personnel to provide follow-up support.
  
  
  METHODS
  A randomised controlled trial will be used to explore the feasibility and acceptability of the Cardiac-Diabetes Self-Management Program incorporating DVD case studies and trained peers to provide follow-up support by telephone and text-messaging. A total of 30 cardiac patients with type 2 diabetes will be randomised, either to the usual care group, or to the intervention group. Participants in the intervention group will received the Cardiac-Diabetes Self-Management Program in addition to their usual care. The intervention consists of three face-to-face sessions as well as telephone and text-messaging follow up. The face-to-face sessions will be provided by a trained Research Nurse, commencing in the Coronary Care Unit, and continuing after discharge by trained peers. Peers will follow up patients for up to one month after discharge using text messages and telephone support. Data collection will be conducted at baseline (Time 1) and at one month (Time 2). The primary outcomes include self-efficacy, self-care behaviour and knowledge, measured by well established reliable tools.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This paper presents the study protocol of a randomised controlled trial to pilot evaluates a Cardiac-Diabetes Self-Management program, and the feasibility of incorporating peers in the follow-ups. Results of this study will provide directions for using such mode in delivering a self-management program for patients with both cardiac condition and diabetes. Furthermore, it will provide valuable information of refinement of the intervention program.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  ACTRN12611000086965.
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing and Midwifery, Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove, QLD, Australia. c3.wu@qut.edu.au
authors.forename: Chiung-Jung Jo
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: Wu
authors.forename: Anne M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Chang
authors.forename: Mary
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Courtney
authors.forename: Lillie M
authors.initials: LM
authors.lastname: Shortridge-Baggett
authors.forename: Karam
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Kostner
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003266:Continuity of Patient Care; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006331:Heart Diseases / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000379:methods*; D010379:Peer Group; D010865:Pilot Projects; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic / Q000379:methods; D012648:Self Care / Q000379:methods*; D020377:Self Efficacy; D012944:Social Support; D016896:Treatment Outcome