Healthy eating and active living for diabetes in primary care networks (HEALD-PCN): rationale, design, and evaluation of a pragmatic controlled trial for adults with type 2 diabetes.
BACKGROUND
While strong and consistent evidence supports the role of lifestyle modification in the prevention and management of type 2 diabetes (T2DM), the best strategies for program implementation to support lifestyle modification within primary care remain to be determined. The objective of the study is to evaluate the implementation of an evidence-based self- management program for patients with T2DM within a newly established primary care network (PCN) environment.


METHODS
Using a non-randomized design, participants (total N = 110 per group) will be consecutively allocated in bi-monthly blocks to either a 6-month self-management program lead by an Exercise Specialist or to usual care. Our primary outcome is self-reported physical activity and pedometer steps.


CONCLUSIONS
The present study will assess whether a diabetes self-management program lead by an Exercise Specialist provided within a newly emerging model of primary care and linked to available community-based resources, can lead to positive changes in self-management behaviours for adults with T2DM. Ultimately, our work will serve as a platform upon which an emerging model of primary care can incorporate effective and efficient chronic disease management practices that are sustainable through partnerships with local community partners.


BACKGROUND
ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00991380.
Centre for Nursing and Health Studies, Athabasca University, Athabasca, AB, Canada. sjohnson@athabascau.ca
Steven T
ST
Johnson
Clark
C
Mundt
Allison
A
Soprovich
Lisa
L
Wozniak
Ronald C
RC
Plotnikoff
Jeffrey A
JA
Johnson
D000328:Adult; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000517:prevention & control*; D004032:Diet; D055317:Evidence-Based Practice; D015444:Exercise; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D015438:Health Behavior; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D011320:Primary Health Care / Q000458:organization & administration*; D015397:Program Evaluation; D012107:Research Design; D012648:Self Care / Q000379:methods*