Abstract

DESTINE: A practice-based intervention to increase empowerment in patients with type 2 diabetes: a study protocol of a randomized controlled trial

Author(s): du Pon E*, Kleefstra N, Van Dooren AA, Bilo HJG & van Dulmen AM

Trial design: Self-management plays a central role in diabetes management. However, not all patients are able to translate the health care providers’ recommendations for effective self-management in daily life. Diabetes Education and Self-management to Increase Empowerment (DESTINE) primarily investigates the effects of group education program Proactive Interdisciplinary Self-Management (PRISMA) in primary care treated people with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) on the use of an online care platform. Methods: The DESTINE study has a randomized controlled design (1:1). 200 patients with T2DM using an online care platform called e-Vita will receive either PRISMA in addition to usual care or usual care only. The primary endpoint of this study is usage of the e-Vita platform. The secondary endpoints are participation in the consultation with the care provider, adherence to oral diabetes medications, and a selection of self-reported and clinical measures. After six months, both groups will receive PRISMA in a 6 month extension phase. Discussion: PRISMA focuses on aligning treatment goals from different health care providers while the individual patient remains in the lead. The goal is to shift patients from being an information receiver towards applying self-management and becoming empowered health care participants. Though recognized as important; theoretically based group education is still not routinely offered in the Netherlands. In the future, depending on the study results, e-Vita and PRISMA could be implemented in regular diabetes care. Trial registration: Current Controlled Trials NTR4693.