Interventions to improve diabetes self-management: utility and relevance for practice.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to review publications of research on diabetes self-management interventions and assess whether the interventions are relevant for practice.
METHODS: A content analysis was performed on research reports published between 1993 and 2004 of interventions designed to improve patients' diabetes self-management. Information was abstracted relevant to the intervention's generalizability to other settings and its compatibility and feasibility in practice.
RESULTS: Publications included only limited information relevant to an intervention's generalizability across populations and settings. Many of the interventions tested were not designed to be compatible with the realities of current practice or to be delivered in the settings in which most diabetes care is provided. Many of the interventions were very complex, requiring multiple delivery modes and contacts, proactive scheduling, and coordination across disciplines.
CONCLUSIONS: In view of the prevalence of diabetes, it is critical that effective self-management interventions be adopted and implemented. Interventions need to be designed so that their findings have greater relevance and utility for practice and can be generalized across practice settings.