Mixed-methods research on diabetes patient health education using digital technologies

Abstract

Introduction: Digital health interventions have the potential to improve access to educational programmes. In digital health research, mixed-methods approaches are effective as they illuminate problems from multiple perspectives. Aim: The aim of this scoping review was to examine the extent of mixed-methods research on the use of digital technologies in diabetes education for patients with type 2 diabetes. Methods: We identified 10 relevant articles through a search in the PubMed, EBSCO and ScienceDirect electronic databases using the following terms: “type 2 diabetes AND (internet OR web based) AND education AND mixed method”, and “type 2 diabetes AND diabetes self-management education AND (web-based OR internet OR technology assisted education) AND mixed method”, and “diabetes mellitus, type 2 [MeSH Terms] AND internet [MeSH Terms] AND education [MeSH Terms] AND mixed method”. Results: The most frequently used qualitative method was an in-depth interview combined with a quantitative data survey. The most frequently used intervention was the use of websites. Conclusions: Considering the high prevalence of diabetes and considerable increase in the use of new technologies, we identified only a small number of studies. Future studies should focus more on participants’ experiences and on factors encouraging patients to participate in such educational programmes, as well as on identifying the most effective online educational tools. Studies should also use larger samples.