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. 2021 Apr 7;34(1):26-31.
doi: 10.1097/JXX.0000000000000595.

Diabetes management among underserved older adults through telemedicine and community health workers

Zyrene Marsh  1   2 , Yen Nguyen  1 , Yamini Teegala  2 , Valerie T Cotter  1
Affiliations

Diabetes management among underserved older adults through telemedicine and community health workers

Zyrene Marsh et al. J Am Assoc Nurse Pract. .

Abstract

Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) disproportionately affects older adults from marginalized communities. In the United States, the prevalence of DM in ages ≥65 years is twofold higher than the national average for adult populations. Telemedicine and community health workers (CHWs) are emerging diabetes care models but their impact on older adults with limited resources are relatively neglected within the medical literature.

Objectives: The purpose of this systematic review was to explore the impact of telemedicine and CHW interventions for improving A1C levels and self-management behaviors among underserved older adults with DM.

Data sources: A systematic literature search was performed in PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, and Cochrane databases using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses as a reporting guideline.

Conclusions: Diabetes self-management education (DSME) administered through telemedicine and CHW interventions were effective for improving A1C levels, self-care adherence, and patient and provider satisfaction among adults aged ≥50 years. Common barriers to diabetes care include inadequate resources, lack of transportation, inconsistent means of communications, social isolation, and low motivation. Community health workers and telemedicine were effective in improving disease management and optimizing care coordination within the vulnerable adult populations.

Implications for practice: Well-coordinated, evidence-based, and population-centered interventions can overcome the unique disparities experienced by underserved older adults with diabetes. Incorporating DSME-guided telemedicine and CHW interventions into primary care can mitigate diabetes-related complications in older populations. The lack of evidence specific to adults aged ≥65 years calls for a universally accepted age range when referring to older adults in future research.

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Conflict of interest statement

Competing interests: The authors report no conflicts of interest.

References

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    1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2018a). Providing diabetes self-management education and support for rural Americans. https://www.cdc.gov/ruralhealth/diabetes/policybrief.html .

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