DiabeTIC website: A pilot study of satisfaction and impact on metabolic control

Objectives: To evaluate satisfaction and short-term impact on metabolic control of diabetes monitoring through the DiabeTIC website. Patients and methods: A prospective, uncontrolled intervention study was conducted in 32 patients aged 29.7 +/- 9.7 years (65% female) incorporated to the telemedicine platform DiabeTIC between March and September 2012. All patients completed a satisfaction questionnaire in the first month, and impact on metabolic control was evaluated at three and six months. Results: In the satisfaction survey conducted in the first month of follow-up, the following mean scores (0-10) were obtained: overall impression with the platform: 8.6 +/- 1.8; ease of use: 8.1 +/- 1.5; intuitive navigation: 6.7 +/- 3.0; value of measurements: 9.1 +/- 1.1; importance of the platform in diabetes management: 9.5 +/- 0.9; sense of security: 9.5 +/- 0.8; value of the library: 9.4 +/- 1.1; value of messages: 9.1 +/- 1.4, and recommendation to use the platform: 9.4 +/- 0.9. Glycosilated hemoglobin concentrations significantly improved at six months as compared to study start (7.0 +/- 0.8 versus 8.1 +/- 1.9; p = 0.007). Nine patients were discharged from DiabeTIC before completing six months of follow-up. Conclusions: Patients with diabetes monitored through the DiabeTIC website report a high degree of satisfaction, showing improved metabolic control at short-term follow-up. (C) 2012 SEEN. Published by Elsevier Espana, S.L. All rights reserved.