Family support-based intervention using a mobile application provided by pharmacists for older adults with diabetes to improve glycaemic control: a randomised controlled trial

Background Family support is crucial in the care of older patients with diabetes. However, more information is needed to evaluate the potential benefits of family-based intervention through a mobile application by pharmacists in the older diabetes patients. Aim To evaluate the effectiveness of family support-based intervention via a mobile application by pharmacists on clinical outcomes, family behaviour, diabetes knowledge, self-management practices and medication adherence in older adults with type 2 diabetes. Method A randomised controlled trial was conducted in a hospital in the south of Thailand with 9 months of follow-up. Family members in the intervention group (n = 78) received diabetes educational courses and encouragement via a mobile application from pharmacists to help their older relatives with diabetes in self-management tasks. The control group received usual care (n = 79). Results As compared to baseline, significant improvements were observed in the intervention patients for glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c), blood pressure, family behaviour in diabetes care, diabetes knowledge, self-management practices and medication adherence (P < 0.001). The intervention group showed greater decline in HbA1c levels relative to the control group (− 0.97% vs. − 0.12%; P = 0.001). Significant differences between groups for changes in blood pressure levels including scores of family behaviour, diabetes knowledge, self-management and medication adherence were found (P ≤ 0.001), with the intervention group showing greater improvement. Conclusion Family support intervention via a mobile application by pharmacists is beneficial to diabetes care for older adults.