HEALTH EDUCATION FOR PEOPLE WITH DIABETES THROUGH A VIRTUAL SOCIAL NETWORK

Abstract

This report portrays the experience of implementing an educational program via the internet for people with Diabetes Mellitus 2 (DM2) attended by a basic family health unit (UBSF), given the need for innovative approaches to health promotion and disease control. To carry it out, a collective virtual group was used, made up of Nursing academics and interested patients, driven by sending materials in different formats and different interactions with the target audience. The practice indicated a positive impact for everyone involved, including the adoption of a more active role in self-care for the disease, in addition to adding to the academic and professional training of coordinators, especially in relation to understanding the specificities of the population served. Considering the challenges, the importance of health education and the demand for adaptive strategies for future interventions are evident. The study highlights the potential of digital tools in educational actions.