Chao Jianqian
Southeast University, China
Title: The long-term effect of community-based health management on the elderly with type 2 diabetes by the Markov model
Biography
Biography: Chao Jianqian
Abstract
The aim of this study was to assess the long-term effects of community-based health management on elderly diabetics using a Markov model. A Markov decision model was used to simulate the natural history of diabetes. Data were obtained from our randomized trials of elderly with type 2 diabetes and from the published literature. One hundred elderly patients with type 2 diabetes were randomly allocated to either the management or the control group in a one-to-one ratio. The management group participated in a health management program for 18 months in addition to receiving usual care. The control group only received usual care. Measurements were performed on both groups at baseline and after 18 months. The Markov model predicted that for every 1000 diabetics receiving health management, approximately 123 diabetics would avoid complications, and approximately 37 would avoid death over the next 13 years. The results suggest that the health management program had a positive long-term effect on the health of elderly diabetics. The Markov model appears to be useful in health care planning and decision-making aimed at reducing the financial and social burden of diabetes.