Feasibility study of automated interactive voice response telephone calls with community health nurse follow-up to improve glycaemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes

Background: Thailand has a shortage of community health nurses for supporting the self-management of type 2 diabetes, which is prevalent and poorly controlled. Aim: This study examined the feasibility and acceptability of a self-care assistance programme for poorly controlled type 2 diabetes mellitus. The SukapapNet programme consisted of automated interactive voice response calls to patients and automated follow-up email notifications to their nurses. Design: Single-arm pre-post trial. Methods: Six nurses and 35 type 2 diabetes patients were recruited from primary care settings in suburban provinces in Thailand. The study was conducted from June 2017 to November 2017. We assessed patients before and after 12 weeks of the SukapapNet intervention. Results: Mean glycated haemoglobin decreased by 0.9%. Patients reported reduced carbohydrate consumption, increased physical activity, increased medication adherence, improved sleep quality, and more frequent foot care. Patients and nurses both recommended using the intervention, although nurses expressed concerns regarding increased workload. Conclusions: The study programme could improve outcomes in Thai type 2 diabetes patients. Further study of the impact of technology upon nurses' workload is warranted.