title: [Results of a telemedicine program for primary care patients with type 2 diabetes].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the impact of a telemedicine program on self-perceived health in patients with type 2 diabetes in primary care, as well as patient acceptance of and satisfaction with this program.
  
  
  METHODS
  We conducted an 18-month follow-up through telemedicine in 52 diabetic patients. The study design was non-experimental (before and after). In addition to weekly electronic transmission of fasting glucose levels, we regularly provided advice to patients about healthy habits.
  
  
  RESULTS
  No statistically significant differences were observed when mean blood glucose values were compared during follow-up. However, at the end of participation, the mean score in self-perceived health was significantly higher than at the initial assessment (70.5±12.8 vs. 62.8±15.0, p=0.02). After 18 months of participation in the telemedicine program, 57.7% of patients were satisfied and 38.5% were very satisfied.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Although glycemic control did not improve during the follow-up, electronic transmission of information was found to be feasible and satisfactory for patients. The patients reported a higher level of self-perceived health.
authors.affiliation: Centro de Salud Universitario Zona IV de Albacete, Servicio de Salud de Castilla-La Mancha, Facultad de Medicina de Albacete, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Albacete, España. Electronic address: jesusl@sescam.org.
authors.forename: Jesús
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: López-Torres
authors.affiliation: Facultad de Enfermería de Albacete, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Albacete, España.
authors.forename: Joseba
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Rabanales
authors.affiliation: Centro de Salud de Villarrobledo (Albacete), Servicio de Salud de Castilla-La Mancha, Villarrobledo, Albacete, España.
authors.forename: Rafael
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Fernández
authors.affiliation: Centro de Salud de Almansa (Albacete), Servicio de Salud de Castilla-La Mancha, Almansa, Albacete, España.
authors.forename: Francisco J
authors.initials: FJ
authors.lastname: López
authors.affiliation: Centro de Salud Zona V-B de Albacete, Servicio de Salud de Castilla-La Mancha, Albacete, España.
authors.forename: Llanos
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Panadés
authors.affiliation: Centro de Salud de Almansa (Albacete), Servicio de Salud de Castilla-La Mancha, Almansa, Albacete, España.
authors.forename: Victoria
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Romero
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000032:analysis; D015190:Blood Glucose Self-Monitoring; D065187:Controlled Before-After Studies; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000097:blood / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D057286:Electronic Health Records; D034742:Electronic Mail; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011320:Primary Health Care / Q000458:organization & administration*; D015397:Program Evaluation; D012649:Self Concept; D013030:Spain; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D017216:Telemedicine
chemical_list: D001786:Blood Glucose
keywords: Atención primaria de salud; Diabetes mellitus tipo 2; Diabetes mellitus type 2; Primary health care; Telemedicina; Telemedicine