Testing a peer support intervention for people with type 2 diabetes: a pilot for a randomised controlled trial

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Public Health
• Behavioral Medicine

Background:

• Type 2 diabetes presents complex psycho-social, self-management, and clinical challenges.
• Evidence regarding the efficacy of peer support for individuals with diabetes is inconclusive.
• A pilot study was conducted to evaluate different peer support interventions over two months.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the feasibility and effectiveness of various peer support models for Type 2 diabetes.
• To identify barriers and facilitators to implementing peer support interventions.
• To inform the design of a larger clinical trial.

Main Methods:

• Formative evaluation included interviews with healthcare professionals and community groups.
• Participants were recruited from general practices and surveyed about barriers to care.
• Randomization to individual, group, combined, or no peer support, with ethnographic observation and questionnaires for evaluation.

Main Results:

• 15% of invited individuals expressed interest; peer supporter retention was 50%.
• Pilot participants had lower self-reported diabetes knowledge and satisfaction with care compared to non-participants.
• Key findings indicated a need for direct peer supporter recruitment and addressing educational needs early.

Conclusions:

• Recruitment for a full peer support trial is feasible with modifications to the study design.
• Attendance emerged as a critical factor requiring close monitoring and intervention strategies.