Article: “Benefits of information Technology-Enabled Diabetes Management”
BA, David Kendrick MD, MPH, Julia Hook, MA, MPH, Caitlin Cusack, MD,
MPH, David Bates, MD, MSc, Blackford Middleton, MD, MPH, MSc
- Why was the study done?
- Was there a clear explanation of the purpose of the study and, if so, what was it?
The purpose of the study is to determine the financial and clinical benefits of implementing information technology (IT)-enabled disease management systems. This purpose is clearly stated in the study.
- What is the sample size?
- Were there enough people in the study to establish that the findings did not occur by chance?
Yes, there were enough respondents in the study as it was stipulated in it that the data were obtained from the number of respondents which can represent the general population.
- Are the instruments of the major variables valid and reliable?
- How were the variables defined? Were the instruments designed to measure a concept valid? Were they reliable?
The variable in the study was clearly defined – use of various approaches in diabetes management. Since the study has only descriptive non-experimental research design, it emphasized only the utilization of IT-enabled disease management systems in various healthcare institutions specializing in Diabetes management in the United States. Furthermore, the study utilized standard techniques and systematic review methodologies adapted from the Stanford University’s Evidenced-based Practice Center. Hence, it can be inferred that the instrument used in the study were valid since it clearly addressed the issues and attained the aims of the study. Further, it was also reliable since it was patterned from an existing and reviewed university instrument.
- How were the data analyzed?
- What statistics were used to determine if the purpose of the study was achieved?
The data were analyzed through the use of descriptive non inferential statistics. It specifically emphasized the measure of central tendency (i.e., mean, median) of the data.
- Were there any untoward events during the study?
- Did the people leave the study and, if so, was there something special about them?
No available data in study clearly stipulates any untoward events during the conduct of the study.
- How do the results fit with previous research in the area?
- Did the researchers base their work on a thorough literature review?
The study was based on reliable and valid sources. Some of the data in the review of related literature were obtained from organizations such as the American Diabetes Association and the Evidence-based Practice Center of the Stanford University.
- What does this research mean for clinical practice?
- Is the study’s purpose an important clinical issue?
The conduct of and the data obtained from the study can be of paramount clinical and economic significance. The study provided reliable information on the effectiveness of Information Technology-based diabetes management over other diabetes management approaches (i.e., payer diabetes management, and patient-oriented approach). Through this study, nurses can essentially provide patients with diabetes significant information and informed choices on the kind of management system appropriate for their care. This practice is in relevance to emphasizing and living up to the principle of autonomy in nursing practice, whereby the patient is vested with the freedom to choose and implement his/her own decision on health care options and practices free from deceit, duress, constraint or coercion (Edge and Groves, 1999).
References
Bu, D., Pan, E., Walker, J.,Cusack, C., Bates, D., & Middleton, B. (2007). Benefits of
information technology-enabled diabetes management. Diabetes Care, 30(5), 1137-1142.
Edge, R.S., & Groves, J.R. (1999). Ethics of Health Care: A Guide for Clinical Practice
(2nd ed.). Singapore: Delmar Publishers.
