Computer-aided diabetes education: a synthesis of randomized controlled trials.

Computer-aided diabetes education is the application of technology to provide information on diabetes self-management as well as test the users' knowledge and provide feedback. The objective of this paper was to evaluate the impact of computer-aided diabetes education in improving health outcomes. We identified reports of randomized controlled trials through systematic electronic database searches. Three eligibility criteria were applied: randomized controlled trial; evaluation of a computerized diabetes education program; and assessment measured on the outcome of patient care. We abstracted data by using a standardized form. Of 19 eligible trials, 16 trials (84.2%) reported significant positive outcomes. A total of 112 outcomes were identified. Forty-two percent (42.0%) of the outcomes demonstrated significant improvements (47 of 112 outcomes). Considering the importance of patient self-management behaviors in chronic disease management, initial evidence suggests computer-aided diabetes education can play a more significant role in the future.