Efficacy of a self-management education programme on patients with type 2 diabetes in primary care: A randomised controlled trial.

AIM: The purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy of the Spanish Diabetes Self-Management Program (SDSMP) versus usual care in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) residing in a Spanish region. METHODS: A two-year follow-up randomised controlled trial. The intervention consisted of 6 weekly structured peer-to-peer workshops. The primary outcome was change in HbA1c levels. Secondary outcomes included other clinical measures, quality of life, self-efficacy, life-style changes, medication and use of healthcare services. Mixed effect models were fitted. RESULTS: n=297 patients were recruited in each study arm. Baseline HbA1c levels were comparable in both groups with an overall mean 7.1 (SD=1.2). The intervention did not significantly modify HbA1c, or other cardiovascular variables. Significant improvements were seen in self-efficacy, and in particularly its disease control component. Certain differences were also observed in the use of healthcare resources and medication consumption. High workshop participation and satisfaction rates were achieved. CONCLUSION: HbA1c reductions are difficult to obtain in adequately controlled patients. On the other hand, raising awareness on one's disease can increase disease control self-efficacy. This finding, accompanied by reduced medication consumption and healthcare use rates, highlights that usual care would be benefited by incorporating certain SDSMP aspects. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT01642394.

El feedback como herramienta docente en la formación clínica: parte 2 / Feedback as a teaching tool in clinical training: part 2

La supervisión de los médicos en formación exige la realización de entrevistas tutor-residente; sin embargo, ni los tutores ni los docentes clínicos sienten que hayan recibido apenas formación para poder llevarlas a cabo eficazmente. En esta segunda parte describimos cómo realizar una sesión de tutorización proporcionando feedback constructivo y satisfactorio tanto para el aprendiz como para el docente (feedback formal). Proponemos estructurar la entrevista tutor-residente en 10 pasos sencillos que permitan completarla con resultados positivos e ilustramos el proceso mediante un relato. Finalmente, invitamos a los tutores y docentes clínicos a dedicar tiempo y esfuerzo al entrenamiento y práctica del feedback

Supervision of the training of physicians requires conducting tutor-resident interviews; nevertheless, neither the tutors nor the clinical teachers feel that they have received hardly any training to be able to carry them out effectively. In this second part we describe how to conduct a tutorial session providing constructive and satisfactory feedback for both the learner and the teacher (formal feedback). We propose to structure the tutor-resident interview in 10 simple steps that allow to complete it with positive results and we illustrate the process through a story. Finally, we invite the tutors and clinical teachers to dedicate time and effort to the training and practice of feedback

El feedback como herramienta docente en la formación clínica. 1ª parte / Feedback as a teaching tool in clinical training. 1st part

Las 2 preocupaciones más importantes de los tutores y los docentes clínicos son cómo hacer que los residentes y los alumnos se motiven, y cómo ofrecerles feedback de manera constructiva. Además, los docentes clínicos sienten que no tienen conocimientos ni entrenamiento suficiente sobre cómo dar feedback. En este artículo describimos cómo utilizar el feedback de forma que la supervisión resulte una experiencia productiva y estimulante tanto para el aprendiz como para el docente. Revisamos las características básicas que debe poseer un feedback a la vez constructivo y centrado tanto en el que aprende, como en su programa docente; proponemos una sistemática para dar feedback informal en 4 pasos y ofrecemos unos ejemplos para su puesta en escena

The 2 most important concerns of tutors and clinical teachers are how to get residents and students motivated and how to offer feedback constructively. In addition, clinical teachers feel that they do not have enough knowledge or training on how to give feedback. In this article, we describe how to use feedback so that supervision is a productive and stimulating experience for both the learner and the teacher. We review the basic characteristics that a feedback should have to be constructive and focused on the learner and their teaching program at the same time. We propose a systematic structure for giving informal feedback in 4 steps and we offer some examples for its staging

Measuring the quality of motivational interviewing in primary health care encounters: The development and validation of the motivational interviewing assessment scale (MIAS).

BACKGROUND: Motivational interviewing (MI) is a collaborative, goal-oriented method to help patients change behaviour. Tools that are often used to measure MI are the motivational interviewing skills code' (MISC), the 'motivational interviewing treatment integrity' (MITI) and the 'behaviour change counselling index' (BECCI). The first two instruments have not been designed to be used in primary healthcare (PHC) settings. The BECCI actually is time-consuming. The motivational interviewing assessment scale (MIAS, 'EVEM' in Spanish) was developed to measure MI in PHC encounters as an alternative to the previous instruments. OBJECTIVES: To validate MIAS as an instrument to assess the quality of MI in PHC settings. METHODS: (a) DEVELOPMENT: Sixteen experts in MI participated in the design, face and consensus validity, using a Delphi-type methodology. (b) SETTING: 27 PHC centres located in Spain. SUBJECTS: four experts in MI tested its psychometric properties with 332 video recordings coming from the Dislip-EM study (consultations provided by 37 practitioners). MEASUREMENTS: dimensionality, internal consistency, reliability (intra-class correlation coefficient-ICC), sensitivity to change and convergent validity with the BECCI scale. RESULTS: A 14-item scale was obtained after the validation process. Factor analysis: two factors explained 76.6% of the total variance. Internal consistency, α = 0.99. Reliability: intra-rater ICC = 0.96; inter-rater ICC = 0.97. Sensitivity to change: means before and after training were 23.63 versus 38.57 (P < 0.001). Spearman's coefficient between the MIAS and the BECCI scale was 0.98 (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The MIAS is a consistent and reliable instrument to assess the use of MI in PHC settings. [Box: see text].

A Pilot Study to Assess the Feasibility of the Spanish Diabetes Self-Management Program in the Basque Country.

Purpose. The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility of the Spanish Diabetes Self-Management Program (SDSMP) in the primary care setting of the Basque Health Service and offer initial estimations of the randomized controlled trial (RCT) effects. Methods. Ten health centers (HCs) participated in a single-arm pilot study with a 6-month follow-up period between February 2011 and June 2012. Recruitment was performed via invitation letters, health professionals, and the local media. Each intervention group consisted of 8-15 people. The ability of each HC in forming up to 2 groups, participants' compliance with the course, and coordination and data collection issues were evaluated. Glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) was the main outcome variable. Secondary outcomes were cardiovascular risk factors, drugs consumption, medical visits, quality of life, self-efficacy, physical exercise, and diet. Results. Two HCs did not organize a course. A total of 173 patients initiated the program, 2 dropped out without baseline data, and 90% completed it. No pre-post HbA1c differences existed. Certain improvements were observed in blood pressure control, self-efficacy, physical activity, and some dietary habits. Conclusion. The SDSMP is feasible in our setting. Our experience can be of interest when planning and conducting this program in similar health settings. The trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT01642394.

Effectiveness of motivational interviewing in patients with dyslipidemia: a randomized cluster trial.

BACKGROUND: It is known that making people change their habits is challenging. It is crucial to identify the most effective approach that general practitioners (GPs) should use to help their patients change unhealthy habits. The objective this study was to assess the efficacy of a multifactorial intervention based on Motivational Interviewing performed by general practitioners to enhance lipid levels in patients with dyslipidemia, as compared to standard care. METHODS: A multicenter, controlled, randomized, cluster, two-parallel arm trial with a 12-month follow-up conducted in 25 community health centers of the Spanish. 38 GPs and 227 primary care patients with uncontrolled dyslipidemia were included in the trial. GPs performed an intervention based either on Motivational Interviewing (MI) or standard practice. Lipid levels were measured, and the control degree was analyzed based on the criteria of clinical guidelines. RESULTS: 107 were assigned to the Experimental Group (EG) and 120 to the Control Group (CG). An overall improvement was achieved in total cholesterol levels (Mean Difference -MD- = -19.60; 95 % CI: -15.33 at -23.87 mg/dl; p < 0.001), LDL-cholesterol levels (MD = -13.78; 95 % CI: -9.77 at -17.79 mg/dl; p < 0.001) and triglycerides (MD = -19.14; CI 95 %: -11.29 at -26.99 mg/dl; p < 0.001). No differences were found between the two groups. However, when we assessed the degree of lipid control by combining cholesterol <200 mg/dl and LDL-cholesterol < 130 mg/dl parameters, it was observed that a higher percentage of patients achieved target figures in the EG versus CG (13.1 % vs. 5.0 %; adjusted OR = 5.77, 95 % CI: 1.67-19.91). CONCLUSION: A Motivational Interviewing-based approach conducted by Primary Care physicians aimed at patients with dyslipidemia, achieved a significant reduction in all lipid parameters, cardiovascular risk, weight reduction and the adherence to the Mediterranean diet, similar to that obtained with the usual intervention and superior in the proportion of patients achieving combined lipid control goals and the level of physical exercise. TRIAL REGISTRATION: the trial is registered in ClinicalTrials.gov ( NCT01282190 ; January 21, 2011).

Impact of a self-care education programme on patients with type 2 diabetes in primary care in the Basque Country.

BACKGROUND: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) is a disease with high prevalence and significant impact in terms of mortality and morbidity. The increased prevalence of the disease requires the implementation of new strategies to promote patient self-management. The Spanish Diabetes Self-Management Program (SDSMP) has proven to be effective in other settings. The objective of this study is to assess its effectiveness in terms of care for DM2 patients in primary care settings within the Basque Health Service - Osakidetza (Spain). METHOD/DESIGN: This is a randomised clinical trial in which patients diagnosed with DM2, 18-79 years of age, from four health regions within the Basque Health Service will be randomised into two groups: an intervention group, who will follow the SDSMP, and a control group, who will receive usual care in accordance with the clinical guidelines for DM2 and existing regulations in our region. The intervention consists of 2,5 hour-group sessions once a week for six weeks. The sessions cover target setting and problem solving techniques, promotion of physical exercise, basic knowledge of nutrition, proper use of medication, effective communication with relatives and health professionals, and basic knowledge about DM2 and its complications. This content is complemented by educational material: books, leaflets and CDs. The primary outcome measure will be the change in glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), and secondary outcome measures will include changes in levels of physical activity and intake of fruit and vegetables, cardiovascular risk, quality of life, self-efficacy, number of consultations and drug prescriptions. The results will be analysed 6, 12 and 24 months after the intervention. DISCUSSION: If the intervention were to be effective, the programme should be spread to the entire diabetic population in the Basque Country and it could also be applied for other diseases. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT01642394.