Diabetes self-management education in discharge planning and self-efficacy in adults with diabetes mellitus: a literature review

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus requires continuous self-management after hospital discharge, with self-efficacy playing a crucial role in maintaining treatment adherence and preventing complications. Diabetes Self-Management Education (DSME) integrated into discharge planning may strengthen patients' confidence and self-management abilities. This narrative literature review aimed to synthesize evidence on DSME, diabetes-related discharge planning, and self-efficacy among adults with diabetes mellitus. A structured literature search was conducted in PubMed, ScienceDirect, Wiley Online Library, and Google Scholar for studies published between 2022 and 2026. Of 212 records identified, 14 studies met the inclusion criteria, including four randomized controlled trials, one quasi-experimental study, eight systematic reviews or meta-analyses, and one scoping review. Findings were synthesized thematically. Structured, nurse-led, individualized, and theory-based DSME interventions, particularly those incorporating follow-up support, were associated with improved self-efficacy and diabetes self-management behaviors. Discharge planning commonly included patient education, medication management, blood glucose monitoring, psychological support, and follow-up care. However, evidence specifically evaluating DSME integrated into discharge planning remains limited, and no included primary intervention study directly examined its combined effect on self-efficacy. Although DSME and discharge planning are conceptually complementary, their combined effectiveness remains uncertain. Further hospital-based intervention studies are needed to evaluate DSME-integrated discharge planning and its effects on post-discharge self-efficacy.