Evaluate the theory and practical advantages and disadvantages of Methodology and Evaluation chapters.

The Impact of Technology on Diabetes
Synopsis
This report comprises both secondary and primary research on the impact of technology on diabetes. The report begins with an analysis of the primary research on the topic, which makes up the secondary research. The second part of the report is on primary research, assuming two main methodologies: qualitative and quantitative. A conclusion comparing the findings from the secondary and primary research is given, as well as recommendations for best practice and an evaluation.

Secondary Research
Introduction
Secondary research is among the commonly used research approaches used in research. ************** suggests that this shows that the person doing the research carries out research by summarising, collating as well as synthesising the existing research rather than performing a primary study. Secondary data is obtained from various sources such as journals, texts, and reports. This study will thus, involve systematic review of literature applying a meta-analytic method. Past research on the impact of technology on diabetes will be analysed.

Methodology
This section of the report is on the secondary research performed to establish the impact of technology on diabetes. The researcher uses a meta-analytic statistical method in reviewing what has already been done on the topic. Among the benefits of using this method is as a means of understanding what is already been done in the topic. It is a critical starting point before proceeding with primary research. However, ************* suggests a limitation in the use of secondary research method, in that the researcher is limited to the perspectives of other researchers. This means that the research suffer from biases of other researchers. Nonetheless, ************* identifies this as the important way of obtaining background information in any research project. In the current systematic literature search articles were retrieved from January 2009 to March 2015 using EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, PubMed, and Psyc INFO databases.

Technology in management of diabetes
Among the areas where research in use of technology in health care has focused on is the application in treatment of various chronic conditions such as diabetes. Diabetes is revealed to be among the most challenging conditions to manage (Wild, et al 2013; Yu, et al 2014). Yu, et al (2014) suggests the reason for the complexity as resulting from the need to manage and control multiple risk factors which might result in further complications. According to Wild, et al (2013), there is an increase in the prevalence of diabetes, with the conventional means of managing it being more and more unsustainable. The solution for this is normally in promoting self-care or self-management by the patient, which past research has showed as a significant strategy for the improvement of patient outcomes and achieving quality of care. In the two studies, there is revealed a need to better and effective methods for self-care and self-management. This is among the areas Yu, et al (2014) to be more likely to benefit from technology. The authors propose use of web-based interventions in bridging the gaps in self-care and self-management in diabetes. Unlike Yu, et al (2014), Wild, et al (2013) in their randomized controlled trial investigated the effectiveness of using telemetric monitoring of glycemic control.
Other researchers have established an increase in the use of technological developments in the management of diabetes (Police, Foster & Wong, 2010; Barnard & Oliver, 2015). In the two studies, the authors are in agreement that various technological devices are being applied to the treatment of the disease. However, the two differ in terms of the types of technologies they focus on. Barnard & Oliver (2015) suggest the use of Closed-loop/artificial pancreas technology which is playing a critical role in glucose monitoring for those affected by the disease. Automated optimal glycemic control is another recommended technology in this study. While this is an important study providing data for the secondary research, it is limited by the fact that some of the technologies are simply recommended such that they cannot be evaluated in practice.

On their part, Police, Foster & Wong (2010), focus on the general use of health information technology (HIT), which is suggested to provide the opportunity to enhance the quality and outcomes for individuals suffering from diabetes. However, just like Barnard & Oliver (2015), their research is not based on data collected from actual implementation and use of the technology. There is a meta-analysis, whose findings are limited to the perfectives of the past researchers. This is a limitation in research that is addressed in the study carried out by Hunt, et al (2009), who basis their research on actual implementation of a health information technology system. The study evaluated the impact of the system prior to and after implementation.

Impact
Research has been carried out, particularly in relation to the impact of physician-directed health information technology on the treatment of diabetes (Hunt, et al 2009). In their intervention study, Hunt, et al (2009), just like Police, Foster & Wong (2010) provided evidence of various areas of health care provision that health information technology has the potential of positively impacting. Among these areas is the improvement of clinical outcomes. Specifically, the Hunt, et al (2009) by established better patient and clinical outcomes following implementation of a physician-directed health information technology system. Promotion of self-care and self-management is traditionally associated with better patient outcomes in the treatment of diabetes.

Thus, Yu, et al (2014) reveals positive outcomes when there is use of web-based technologies in improving self-care and self-management by patients with diabetes. The authors reveal not only patient outcomes, self-efficacy, quality of life, self-care, but also clinical outcomes, blood pressure, glycemic control, cholesterol, and weight. The study, which is based on qualitative data from interviews, is significant in that it obtains more reliable and detailed information, to objectively conclude the impact of the technology in the management of Diabetes mellitus. Besides, the participants filled in questionnaires assessing self-efficacy, which provided more objective data to achieve the objective of the study. Similar to the findings revealed by Yu, et al (2014), Wild, et al (2013) showed improvement in primary outcomes such as reduction in glycemic level as well as blood pressure and secondary outcomes including reduction in weight and blood pressure among individuals with diabetes.

Police, Foster & Wong (2010) point to the possibility of health information technology improving the level of productivity of the health care providers. Generally, technology has revolutionalised health care, with promotion of self-care and self-management making work easier for health care providers (Rajagopal, 2013). Besides productivity, Police, Foster & Wong, (2010) suggests impact on the cost of care. Reduction of health care cost for individuals suffering from diabetes is a critical area that is impacted on by use of technology. While Police, Foster & Wong (2010) considered various areas impacted by use of technology, Roger et al (2009), concentrated on the impact on cost of providing care for individuals with diabetes. The authors recognise that diabetes and its associated complications and comorbidities are a cause of significant burden to health care. Thus, development and implementation of technologies and techniques for self-management has considerable impact on the cost of care.

Effectiveness of technology-based interventions
According to Kelley, et al (2011), the development, implementation and acceptance of technology in improving self-management and self-care is promising, but there are mixed results in terms of effectiveness. Connelly, et al (2013) is another of the researchers who have studied the effectiveness of technology in the promotion of physical activities among individuals with diabetes. The study is a review of past studies, on the use of various technologies including mobile phones and text messages, CD- ROMs, websites, and computer -based technology, commonly used in the management of diabetes. From the review, the researchers revealed increased physical activity where technology was applied. However, just as earlier revealed by Yu, et al (2014), effectiveness in use of technology in the treatment and management of diabetes is hampered by inadequate use. In their assessment of eHealth system, Kelley, et al (2011), suggests that while there is potential for major impact, effectiveness is hindered by inadequate implementation and acceptance.

Regardless, Tian, et al (2014), reveals that there is a transformative potential for technologies in diabetes management and care far beyond the original expectations. Recupero, Mahnke & Pinsker (2013) adds that most of the past telemedicine interventions targeted towards treatment and management of diabetes have not revealed objective improvements in terms of patient and clinical outcomes. This is the reason for their recommendation of a Real-Time Diabetes Monitoring System (RT-DMS) which is revealed to increase effectiveness in the use of telemedicine systems for paediatric patients suffering from diabetes (Type 1). The system’s improvement is revealed in automating uploads of glucometer readings. However, this research is not based on a primary study, but suggests obstacles related to inadequate implementation of the systems.

The current trend and future
Yu, et al (2014) suggested the possibility of increasing self-care and self-management for better patient and clinical outcomes in the treatment of diabetes, but there is a limitation in that use of technology remains inadequate even at the individual level. Thus, the result was that a lack of self-efficacy in use of a self-management website was evident for individuals with type 2 diabetes, with the reason being that the website use was limited. Competing priorities in life make it challenging to follow up on the requirements of the technology.

While there are suggested benefits of technology in the treatment and management of diabetes, implementation is suggested to still be lagging behind other uses of technology in health care (Police, Foster & Wong, 2010). Similar evidence is provided by Barnard & Oliver (2015), who argue that there is still a trend in use of traditional medical processes in the treatment of type 1 as well as type 2 diabetes in the Great Britain’s National Health Services (NHS), but also across the entire Europe. Roger et al (2009) also reveals a lack of effective means of evaluating value propositions of technologies from the differing perspectives of stakeholders as impeding the best use of the technologies in the management and treatment of diabetes.

Summary of Secondary Research Findings
From the review of past research, it is revealed that there is an increase in the adoption of technology in management of various chronic conditions including diabetes (Wild, et al 2013; Yu, et al 2014). Various types of technologies are being adopted towards achievement of self-care and self-management by diabetes patients. Technologies are revealed to have great potential in improving treatment and management of diabetes.

Improvement in quality of care and outcomes, both patient and clinical has been revealed as significant impacts of technology in diabetes management and care. Health care service providers show greater levels of satisfaction and fulfilment as a result of implementation of technology in management and treatment of diabetes. Health care productivity is also showed in research to improve with use of technology.

Research has showed that regardless of the positive impact of technology in diabetes care and treatment, effectiveness is hampered by inadequate implementation and compliance; where effectively implemented, technological systems are effective in improving the quality and outcome in management of diabetes.

Currently, the health care system in Britain and other countries have not adequately implemented or adopted technology in management and treatment of diabetes. Research shows that while there is promise in the use of technology, effective implementation is yet to be achieved.

Most of the studies reviewed suggest future research focus on proper implementation, compliance and sustainability in the use of technology in management and treatment of diabetes.

References
Barnard, KD, & Oliver, N., 2015, Technological Advancement in the Treatment of Diabetes-Ignoring Psychosocial Impact at Our Peril, Diabetes Technology & Therapeutics, 17,3, pp. 149-151.
Connelly, J, Kirk, A, Masthoff, J, & MacRury, S 2013, ‘The use of technology to promote physical activity in Type 2 diabetes management: a systematic review’, Diabetic Medicine, 30, 12, pp. 1420-1432,
Hunt, J, Siemienczuk, J, Gillanders, W, LeBlanc, B, Rozenfeld, Y, Bonin, K, & Pape, G 2009, ‘The impact of a physician-directed health information technology system on diabetes outcomes in primary care: a pre- and postimplementation study’, Informatics In Primary Care, 17, 3, pp. 165-174,
Kelley, H, Chiasson, M, Downey, A, & Pacaud, D 2011, ‘The Clinical Impact of eHealth on the Self-Management of Diabetes: A Double Adoption Perspective’, Journal Of The Association For Information Systems, 12, 3, pp. 208-234,
Police, R, Foster, T, & Wong, K 2010, ‘Adoption and use of health information technology in physician practice organisations: systematic review’, Informatics In Primary Care, 18, 4, pp. 245-258,
Rajagopal, N 2013, ‘Impact of Information Technology on Service Quality of Health Care Services’, Vilakshan: The XIMB Journal Of Management, 10, 1, pp. 79-96,
Recupero, A, Mahnke, B, & Pinsker, J 2013, ‘Emerging Technology in Diabetes Care: The Real-Time Diabetes Monitoring System’, Military Medicine, 178, 2, pp. 218-221,
Roger A., E, Alan, G, Melissa, W, Mike, A, Caroline, W, Mei, L, Dan, W, & Nick, H 2009, ‘Quantifying a Strategic View of Diabetes Technology Impacts: A System Dynamics Approach’, Diabetes Technology & Therapeutics, 11, 7, pp. 411-418,
Tian, K, Sautter, P, Fisher, D, Fischbach, S, Luna-Nevarez, C, Boberg, K, Kroger, J, & Vann, R 2014, ‘Transforming Health Care: Empowering Therapeutic Communities through Technology-Enhanced Narratives’, Journal Of Consumer Research, 41, 2, pp. 237-260,
Wild, S, Hanley, J, Lewis, S, McKnight, J, McCloughan, L, Padfield, P, Paterson, M, Pinnock, H, & McKinstry, B 2013, ‘The impact of supported telemetric monitoring in people with type 2 diabetes: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial’, Trials, 14, 1, pp. 1-8,
Yu, C, Parsons, J, Mamdani, M, Lebovic, G, Hall, S, Newton, D, Shah, B, Bhattacharyya, O, Laupacis, A, & Straus, S 2014, ‘A web-based intervention to support self-management of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: effect on self-efficacy, self-care and diabetes distress’, BMC Medical Informatics & Decision Making, 14, 1, pp. 1-26,

Topic: The Impact of Technology on Diabetes
This project must be written in depth of the topic
Secondary Research
2000 words must be in an academic style, using formal language, demonstrating impartiality, summarising, paraphrasing, comparing and evaluation skills; using research vocabulary and a logical, fluent approach to answer the hypothesis. This essay will form the Secondary Research chapter of your research project.

Total words for the entire project is 3500

Each page must include the following list below
Must include table of contents which includes:

Acknowledgments –
Synopsis –
Methodology –
Introduction –
Secondary Research
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3 etc
Summary of Secondary Research Findings
Introduction to Primary Research
Quantitative Data
Qualitative Data
Questionnaire
Target audience
Interviews
Interview 1
Interview 2
Summary of Primary Research Findings
Conclusion of findings
Evaluation
References
Bibliography
Appendices
Primary Research
• Conduct up to 2 interviews with professional people – or people who have in-depth knowledge of your chosen topic. This will be written up as a script demonstrating your questions and their responses
• Create a questionnaire with at least 10 questions and collect data from at least 30 people. This can be carried out via hard copy (paper based) or online using Survey monkey.
• All data collected form the questionnaires must be analysed and 3 charts created demonstrating the most revealing or the most remarkable evidence found.
Summary
• A conclusion of the findings in comparison to the Secondary research must be produced with examples from both mentioned.
• Recommendations can be made if there is an area of concern or of good practice noted.
• Self-evaluation of the research process must be conducted with mention of :
o 3 things that went well
o 3 problems encountered
o 3 things you would do differently if you had the opportunity to redo the project
Assessment
Assessment of Research Report for ………………………………………………………………………………..
Area/task Pass Merit Distinction
Use of research methods: RS 1.1
Methodology chapter
Description and role of methods in any research study
Select a relevant topic of research and Identify and at least 2 different research methods Select a relevant topic of research and identify and explain at least 2 different research methods using very good research terminology and vocabulary. Select a relevant topic of research and Identify clearly and explain at least 2 different research methods using excellent research terminology and vocabulary.
Use of research methods: RS 1.2
Methodology and Evaluation chapters

When and where methods are applied
in any research study
Suitable sources for different methods.
Evaluate the appropriate use of different methods for a variety of purposes Evaluate and clearly communicate the appropriate use of many different methods for a variety of purposes Evaluate, analyse and clearly communicate the appropriate use of many different methods for a variety of purposes
Use of research methods:
Recognise laws of the internet and their importance: IT 7.1
Methodology and Evaluation chapters.
What are the adv/disadvantages of each method/source. How to overcome any disadvantages in order to justify use of a method and source. Evaluate the theory and practical advantages and disadvantages of chosen research methods.

Understand the importance of internet laws. Evaluate and clearly communicate the theory and practical advantages and disadvantages of chosen research methods in a generally fluent manner.
Understand and apply the importance of internet laws with very good level of consistency. Evaluate, analyse and clearly communicate the theory and practical advantages and disadvantages of chosen research methods in a consistently fluent manner.
Understand and apply the importance of internet laws with excellent level of accuracy.
Carry out the project: RS 2.1 2.2
Design research plans: PRI 1.1 1.2 3.1
Compile research Folders: PRI 6.1
Recognise laws of the internet and their importance: IT 7.1

Planning & conducting secondary & primary research, consent letters, design of survey & interviews
Identifying, collecting and evaluating appropriate and quality data.
Applying the rules of research.
Strategy/plan was planned prior to undertaking project using appropriate design.
Research protocols and laws adhered to and consideration of participants sensitivity and need for respect demonstrated.
Store research material securely as soft or hard copy, annotating relevant information.

Strategy/plan was planned prior to undertaking project using appropriate design, demonstrating a very good response to the demand of the assignment.
Research protocols and laws adhered to and consideration of participants sensitivity and need for respect demonstrated, responding promptly and effectively to guidance. Strategy/plan was planned prior to undertaking project using appropriate design, demonstrating an excellent response to the demand of the assignment. Research protocols and laws adhered to and
Consideration of participants sensitivity and need for respect demonstrated, working effectively with a high level of independence.

Report on the investigation : RS 3.1
Secondary & primary chapter’s structure and format .Impartial interpretation of material and maintaining its integrity.
Produce a report using a standard format and presenting and interpreting information appropriately Produce a report using a very good format, with appropriate headings, sub headings, body of text and appropriate font sizes and styles. Present and interpret appropriately using research terminology/ vocabulary and very good grammar, spelling and presentation. Demonstration of generally logical and fluent investigation. Produce a report using an excellent format, with appropriate headings, sub headings, body of text and appropriate font sizes and styles. Present and interpret appropriately using research terminology/ vocabulary and excellent grammar, spelling and presentation. Demonstration of a consistently logical and fluent investigation.
Report on investigation: RS 3.2
Secondary and primary material evaluations, comparisons, analysis and conclusions.
Conclusions based on evidence only. Correct
Harvard referencing.
Critically evaluate findings in relation to aims, previous research and relevant theory using an accepted method of referencing source material Critically evaluate and analyse findings in relation to aims, previous research and relevant theory. Quality of arguments may contain some ambiguity. Use of very good referencing of source material Critically evaluate and analyse findings in relation to aims, previous research and relevant theory. Quality of arguments are convincing and unambiguous. Consistent and excellent referencing used throughout.
Critical understanding of research methods used:
Evaluate own performance: RS 4.1
Methodology and Evaluation chapters:
Own performance,
Choice of sources, methods and primary subjects, design of interviews and questionnaires.
Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of design and procedures used.
Suggest improvements to research design and procedures. Critically evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of design and procedures used with very good levels of confidence.
Suggest improvements to research design and procedures and produce a creative action plan.
Be able to have demonstrated very good time-management. Critically evaluate and analyse the strengths and weaknesses of design and procedures used with excellent levels of confidence.
Suggest improvements to research design and procedures and produce an innovative action plan.
Be able to have demonstrated excellent time-management.

Grade descriptors
Merit Distinction
Understanding the Subject Is generally informed by the major conventions and practices of the area of study Is consistently informed by the major conventions and practices of the area of study

Application of Skills Generally selects appropriate
• Skills
• Techniques
• Methods Consistently selects appropriate
• Skills
• Techniques
• Methods

Quality Taken as a whole, demonstrates a very good response to the demands of the brief/assignment Taken as a whole, demonstrates an excellent response to the demands of the brief/assignment

Feedback: see attached sheet