In 1973 a mental health practitioner would have to read 3 research papers per day to stay up to date on the latest high quality research. By 2013 that number rose to 249 papers per day.
André Tomlin, The Mental Elf
NIHR Signal: Information delivered by telemedicine can improve diabetes control
Telemedicine, such as text messaging or internet support systems used to communicate with patients, improves long-term blood sugar control in adults with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. Telemedicine gave small reductions in HbA1c (a measure of overall diabetes control over 12 weeks) compared with usual care at all follow-up times. It was most effective in the short-term, reducing HbA1c by about 0.6% (6mmol/mol) by three months. There was less difference in the medium and long-term, around 0.3% (3mmol/mol) reduction up to one year or more. There was no effect on quality of life, mortality or risk of episodes of low blood sugar. This review included 111 trials and 23,648 adults with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. A wide variety of interventions were categorised as telehealth. Texting or web portal ways of communicating were associated with slightly larger average effects. Few studies were performed in the UK. Adding telemedicine to current UK practice for diabetes care may require additional funding and extra staff time so it is important to determine the interface that is most effective.
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