The Feasibility of the Diabetes Self-Management Coaching Program in Primary Care: A Mixed-Methods Randomized...

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Clinical Medicine
• Health Services Research

Background:

• Diabetes mellitus is a global health challenge, increasing morbidity and mortality.
• Primary care settings face challenges in managing the rising prevalence of diabetes.
• Diabetes self-management coaching offers a client-centered approach to improve patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the feasibility, acceptability, and fidelity of the Diabetes Self-Management Coaching Program in Ethiopian primary care.
• To address the lack of diabetes self-management support strategies in Ethiopia's primary care.

Main Methods:

• A single-center, single-blinded, mixed-methods randomized controlled trial was conducted.
• Adult patients with type 2 diabetes (HbA1c ≥ 7%) were randomized into a 12-week coaching program or usual care.
• Data collection involved quantitative and qualitative methods at baseline, post-intervention, and follow-up.

Main Results:

• Eligibility, recruitment, retention, and adherence rates were 23%, 70%, 90%, and 85%, respectively.
• Both qualitative and quantitative data confirmed the program's feasibility and acceptability.
• Fidelity assessments indicated appropriate implementation of the coaching intervention.

Conclusions:

• The Diabetes Self-Management Coaching Program demonstrated high recruitment, retention, and adherence.
• The program is feasible, acceptable, and implementable within primary care settings in Ethiopia.
• A large-scale multi-center trial is recommended to evaluate the program's impact on clinical and behavioral outcomes.