The effect of nurse‐led telephone‐based interventions on glycosylated hemoglobin levels in people with type 2 diabetes: A meta‐analysis

Abstract

Background

Telenursing interventions can contribute to achieving optimal glycemic control.

Aim

This meta-analysis aimed to determine the effect of nurse-led telephone-based interventions on glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels in people with type 2 diabetes.

Methods

We searched electronic databases for studies published in English up to January 2023. This study was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA 2020 checklist. The intervention effects were pooled using a random-effects model. Two authors independently assessed the risk of bias using the Cochrane Collaboration tool.

Results

Eight studies involving 1179 people with type 2 diabetes were included in this study. Interventions were performed for 15–30 min and 5–16 calls. There was no evidence of a significant publication bias. The evaluation of meta-analysis data showed that nurse-led telephone-based interventions significantly reduced HbA1c levels in people with type 2 diabetes (mean difference = −0.53, 95% Confidence Interval [−0.89, −0.17], p = .003).

Linking Evidence to Action

Nurse-led telephone-based interventions focused on reducing glycosylated hemoglobin levels in people with type 2 diabetes can be used as an effective intervention to achieve glycemic control. We recommend holding an average of 15–25 min interviews once or twice a week.