How to facilitate peer support – learnings from the development of a peer support program for people with T2DM via instant messaging service to improve diabetes self-management

This study explores the use of Instant Messaging Services (IMS) for peer support among individuals with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM). Leveraging the popularity of IMS within the affected age group, the DiabPeerS study implemented a peer support intervention aimed at improving long-term blood gluc...

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Main Authors: Ursula Hemetek, Tatjana Aubram, Johanna Grüblbauer, Elisabeth Höld
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Frontiers Media S.A. 2025-01-01
Series:Frontiers in Clinical Diabetes and Healthcare
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fcdhc.2024.1491865/full
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author Ursula Hemetek
Tatjana Aubram
Johanna Grüblbauer
Elisabeth Höld
author_facet Ursula Hemetek
Tatjana Aubram
Johanna Grüblbauer
Elisabeth Höld
author_sort Ursula Hemetek
collection DOAJ
description This study explores the use of Instant Messaging Services (IMS) for peer support among individuals with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM). Leveraging the popularity of IMS within the affected age group, the DiabPeerS study implemented a peer support intervention aimed at improving long-term blood glucose levels (HbA1c) in a randomized controlled trial (RCT). This article describes the development and acceptance of the IMS intervention used in the DiabPeerS study. The intervention included a communication strategy and content designed for lay moderators to facilitate group interaction among people with Type 2 Diabetes mellitus (PWT2D). The intervention’s acceptance was determined by conducting participant interviews, moderator meetings, and analysis of IMS chat protocols. Results indicate that the intervention was well-received, with participants engaging in meaningful exchange about diabetes self-management (DSM). However, those less familiar with online communication may benefit from preparational training and initial face-to-face meetings could enhance group cohesion. This research offers insights into the practical application of IMS for diabetes peer support, highlighting both its benefits and room for improvement.
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institution Kabale University
issn 2673-6616
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publishDate 2025-01-01
publisher Frontiers Media S.A.
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series Frontiers in Clinical Diabetes and Healthcare
spelling doaj-art-09c904e3258d47a9bee9c4e7b702b4a62025-01-06T06:58:55ZengFrontiers Media S.A.Frontiers in Clinical Diabetes and Healthcare2673-66162025-01-01510.3389/fcdhc.2024.14918651491865How to facilitate peer support – learnings from the development of a peer support program for people with T2DM via instant messaging service to improve diabetes self-managementUrsula Hemetek0Tatjana Aubram1Johanna Grüblbauer2Elisabeth Höld3Institute of Health Sciences, Department of Health, University of Applied Sciences St. Pölten, St. Pölten, AustriaInstitute for Innovation Systems, Department Digital Business and Innovation, University of Applied Sciences St. Pölten, St. Pölten, AustriaInstitute for Creative\Media/Technologies, Department Media and Digital Technologies, University of Applied Sciences St. Pölten, St. Pölten, AustriaInstitute of Health Sciences, Department of Health, University of Applied Sciences St. Pölten, St. Pölten, AustriaThis study explores the use of Instant Messaging Services (IMS) for peer support among individuals with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM). Leveraging the popularity of IMS within the affected age group, the DiabPeerS study implemented a peer support intervention aimed at improving long-term blood glucose levels (HbA1c) in a randomized controlled trial (RCT). This article describes the development and acceptance of the IMS intervention used in the DiabPeerS study. The intervention included a communication strategy and content designed for lay moderators to facilitate group interaction among people with Type 2 Diabetes mellitus (PWT2D). The intervention’s acceptance was determined by conducting participant interviews, moderator meetings, and analysis of IMS chat protocols. Results indicate that the intervention was well-received, with participants engaging in meaningful exchange about diabetes self-management (DSM). However, those less familiar with online communication may benefit from preparational training and initial face-to-face meetings could enhance group cohesion. This research offers insights into the practical application of IMS for diabetes peer support, highlighting both its benefits and room for improvement.https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fcdhc.2024.1491865/fulldiabetes self-management education and supportonline peer support interventionT2DM self-managementT2DM peer supportIMS communication strategyinstant messaging service health interventions
spellingShingle Ursula Hemetek
Tatjana Aubram
Johanna Grüblbauer
Elisabeth Höld
How to facilitate peer support – learnings from the development of a peer support program for people with T2DM via instant messaging service to improve diabetes self-management
Frontiers in Clinical Diabetes and Healthcare
diabetes self-management education and support
online peer support intervention
T2DM self-management
T2DM peer support
IMS communication strategy
instant messaging service health interventions
title How to facilitate peer support – learnings from the development of a peer support program for people with T2DM via instant messaging service to improve diabetes self-management
title_full How to facilitate peer support – learnings from the development of a peer support program for people with T2DM via instant messaging service to improve diabetes self-management
title_fullStr How to facilitate peer support – learnings from the development of a peer support program for people with T2DM via instant messaging service to improve diabetes self-management
title_full_unstemmed How to facilitate peer support – learnings from the development of a peer support program for people with T2DM via instant messaging service to improve diabetes self-management
title_short How to facilitate peer support – learnings from the development of a peer support program for people with T2DM via instant messaging service to improve diabetes self-management
title_sort how to facilitate peer support learnings from the development of a peer support program for people with t2dm via instant messaging service to improve diabetes self management
topic diabetes self-management education and support
online peer support intervention
T2DM self-management
T2DM peer support
IMS communication strategy
instant messaging service health interventions
url https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fcdhc.2024.1491865/full
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