Effectiveness of telephone interventions as a strategy for glycemic control: an integrative literature review

Abstract

The objective of this study was to analyze the effectiveness of telephone interventions as a strategy for glycemic control in adult Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus patients. An integrative literature review was undertaken in April and May 2011 through surveys in the Cochrane, PubMed/Medline, Lilacs and Cinahl databases. Nine studies complied with the inclusion criteria, mainly randomized controlled clinical trials. Concerning the time period analyzed in each study, it varied from eight weeks to twelve months. 1294 patients participated in the study, being 671 randomized to telephone follow-ups and 479 to usual care. In eight studies analyzed, glycemic control was based on the levels of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c). The information found showed that the interventions are effective for glycemic control in patients who have type 2 Diabetes. Self-management was improved and possible complications of the disease were reduced.