Background
Tele‐coaching has been used by nurses as one of the accessible and sustainable interventions for individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus. However, evidence has been lacking to demonstrate its effectiveness in mitigating the related cardiovascular risk factors.
Aims
To systematically evaluate the effectiveness of nurse‐led tele‐coaching on the modifiable cardiovascular risk factors (glycated hemoglobin, blood pressure, & lipid levels) among individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Methods
A systematic search of eight databases (Cochrane Library, PubMed, Embase, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Scopus, PsycINFO, Web of Science, & ProQuest Dissertations and Theses) was conducted for randomized controlled trials of nurse‐led tele‐coaching for individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus published in English up to October 30, 2018. A meta‐analysis was conducted for the primary outcomes of the studies.
Results
Twelve randomized controlled trials were selected that included 3,030 participants. Results from the meta‐analysis revealed statistically significant reductions for not only glycated hemoglobin (pooled mean difference = −1.23, 95% CI: −1.63 to −0.8, I2 = 0%, p < .00) but also systolic blood pressure (SBP; pooled mean difference = −2.22, 95% CI: −3.95 to −0.49, I2 = 0%, p < .01); such findings are supportive of the use of nurse‐led tele‐coaching on the primary outcome.
Linking Evidence to Action
Results from the meta‐analyses have shown that nurse‐led tele‐coaching is an effective and accessible intervention that could improve the glycemic control and SBP among individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus.