Digital technology and its effects on knowledge improvement for diabetes management: An integrative review

Aim To evaluate the effectiveness of educational digital technology in improving patients' and health professionals' knowledge about diabetes management. Background The use of digital technologies has been expanding in recent years in several areas of healthcare and education. Design Integrative literature review. Data sources The following databases were searched: PubMed, Lilacs, BDENF, Web of Science and SciELO (1 January 2016 and 31 December 2020). Review Methods Titles and abstracts were screened and selected by independent reviewers based on eligibility criteria. A consensus was drawn on which articles should be included. Data were extracted using an instrument created by the authors, and the synthesis of knowledge was made by compiling the results in a table and identifying thematic axes. Results Seventy-one articles were retrieved, and after the final analysis, a total of 11 were included. Most studies have pointed out benefits from the use of digital technologies in diabetes education, with two thematic categories emerging: ‘Digital technologies in the education of patients with diabetes’ and ‘Digital technologies in continuing professional education in diabetes’. Conclusion The use of digital technologies is beneficial and effective both for continuing professional education and educating patients about diabetes management.