Effectiveness of a self-management support program for Thais with type 2 diabetes: Evaluation according to the RE-AIM framework.

Delivering diabetes self-management support is an enormous challenge for healthcare providers with limited human resources. We conducted a cluster randomized controlled trial to assess the effectiveness of a DSMS program incorporating the computer-assisted instruction. The RE-AIM (Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance) framework was applied to evaluate the DSMS program. Ten Public Health Centers in Bangkok, Thailand were randomized into either DSMS program or usual care. Forty eligible patients with type 2 diabetes in each Public Health Center were randomly selected. Totally, 403 patients (200 controls and 203 interventions) participated. About 93.8% participants completed the six-month follow-up. Over six months, adjusted mean changes of hemoglobin A1c (-0.14%, 95% confidence interval = -0.02 to -0.26, fasting plasma glucose (-6.37 mg/dL, -1.95 to -10.78), health behaviors (3.31 score, 2.27 to 4.34), and quality of life (1.41 score, 0.69 to 2.12) were significantly improved in intervention compared to control group. In conclusion, the DSMS program facilitates Public Health Centers to accomplish their support for people with diabetes.