Patient adoption of an internet based diabetes medication tool to improve adherence: A pilot study

Patient Educ Couns. 2017 Jan;100(1):174-178. doi: 10.1016/j.pec.2016.07.024. Epub 2016 Jul 25.

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the effect of a video intervention, Managing Your Diabetes Medicines, on patient self-efficacy, problems with using medication, and medication adherence in a rural, mostly African American population.

Methods: Patients selected their problem areas in medication use and watched one of nine 2-min videos with a research assistant at a clinic or pharmacy and were given an access code to watch all the videos at their convenience. Outcomes were measured at baseline and 3-month follow-up.

Results: Fifty-one patients were enrolled; 84% were African American and 80% were female (mean age: 54 years). Seventy-three percent watched at least one module after the initial visit. Improved self-efficacy was associated with a decrease in concerns about medications (r=-0.64). Low literate patients experienced greater improvement in self-efficacy than more literate patients (t=2.54, p=0.02). Patients' mean number of problems declined from 6.14 to 5.03. The number of patients with high or medium adherence rose from 33% at baseline to 43% at 3-month follow-up.

Conclusions: A practical, customized video intervention may help improve patient self-efficacy, reduce problems with medication use, and improve medication adherence in diabetes patients.

Practice implications: Providers should consider implementing technology-based interventions in the clinic to address common problems that patients have with self-management.

Keywords: African American; Educational video; Health literacy; Information-Motivation-Behavioral Skills Model; Medication problems; Self-efficacy; Self-management.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Black or African American / psychology*
  • Diabetes Mellitus / drug therapy*
  • Diabetes Mellitus / ethnology
  • Diabetes Mellitus / psychology
  • Female
  • Health Literacy*
  • Humans
  • Hypoglycemic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Internet
  • Male
  • Medication Adherence / ethnology*
  • Medication Adherence / psychology
  • Middle Aged
  • Motivation*
  • North Carolina
  • Outcome Assessment, Health Care
  • Patient Education as Topic / methods*
  • Pilot Projects
  • Program Evaluation
  • Self Care
  • Self Efficacy*
  • White People / psychology*

Substances

  • Hypoglycemic Agents