mHealth Interventions for Disadvantaged and Vulnerable People with Type 2 Diabetes

AbstractBackgroundMobile- and Internet-delivered (collectively, digital) interventions are widely used by persons with diabetes (PWD) to assist with self-management and improve/maintain glycemic control (hemoglobin A1c [A1c]). However, evidence concerning the acceptance and benefits of such interventions among disadvantaged/vulnerable PWD is still quite limited.Purpose of ReviewWe reviewed studies published from 2011 –April 2019 evaluating the impact of diabetes self-management interventions delivered via mobile device and/or Internet on glycemic control of disadvantaged/vulnerable adults with type 2 diabetes (T2D). Included studies reported ≥ 50% of the sample having a low socioeconomic status and/or bein g a racial/ethnic minority, or living in a rural setting or low-/middle-income country (LMIC). We identified 21 studies evaluating a digital intervention among disadvantaged/vulnerable PWD.Recent FindingsAlthough many digital interventions found within-group A1c improvements (16 of 21 studies), only seven of the seventeen studies with a control group found between-group differences in A1c. Three studies found reductions in emergency room (ER) visits and hospitalizations. We synthesize this information, and provide recommendations for increasing access, and improving the design and usability of such interventions. We also discuss the role of human support in digital delivery, issues related to study design, reporting, economic value, and available research in LMICs.Sum...
Source: Current Diabetes Reports - Category: Endocrinology Source Type: research