5th Edition of World Nursing Research Conference 2026

Abstract

Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support (DSMES) is recommended as standard care. Telehealth may extend Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support beyond clinic settings, but its effects on self-efficacy and quality of life are unclear. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials to estimate the effectiveness of telehealth for DSMES on self-efficacy and quality of life (QoL) in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Following the Cochrane Handbook guidelines and Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020, six databases (PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Cochrane, CINAHL, Web of Science) were searched from 2000 to 10 October 2025, plus reference lists. Eligible studies were randomized controlled trials of telehealth DSMES versus usual care or traditional DSMES in adults with type 2 diabetes reporting self-efficacy and/or quality of life. Two reviewers independently screened studies, extracted data, and assessed risk of bias. Random-effects meta-analyses produced standardized mean differences (SMDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Publication bias tests, leave-one-out and risk-of-bias sensitivity analyses, and prespecified subgroup analyses and meta regression were conducted. Across thirteen trials reporting self-efficacy, telehealth for DSMES statistically significantly improved self-efficacy versus usual care (SMD = 0.94; 95% CI 0.28–1.61; p = 0.01; I² = 93.6%). The finding was robust to trim-and-fill, leave-one-out analyses, and exclusion of high-risk trials. For quality of life, ten effects from six studies showed no overall benefit (SMD = 0.09; 95% CI −0.10 to 0.27; p = 0.31; I² = 53.3%). We concluded telehealth for DSMES improves self-efficacy in adults with type 2 diabetes. Quality of life did not improve significantly, however, the limited, heterogeneous evidence warrants caution.