Effect of lifestyle focused text messaging on risk factor modification in patients with diabetes and coronary heart disease: A sub-analysis of the TEXT ME study

Effect of Mobile Phone Text Messaging Self-Management Support for Patients With Diabetes or Coronary Heart Disease in a Chronic Disease Management Program (SupportMe) on Blood Pressure: Pragmatic Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

Maintaining engagement and support for patients with chronic diseases is challenging. SMS text messaging programs have complemented patient care in a variety of situations. However, such programs have not been widely translated into routine care.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to examine the implementation and utility of a customized SMS text message-based support program for patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D), coronary heart disease, or both within a chronic disease integrated care program.

METHODS

We conducted a 6-month pragmatic parallel-group, single-blind randomized controlled trial that recruited people with T2D or coronary heart disease. Intervention participants received 4 semipersonalized SMS text messages per week providing self-management support to supplement standard care. Preprogrammed algorithms customized content based on participant characteristics, and the messages were sent at random times of the day and in random order by a fully automated SMS text messaging engine. Control participants received standard care and only administrative SMS text messages. The primary outcome was systolic blood pressure. Evaluations were conducted face to face whenever possible by researchers blinded to randomization. Participants with T2D were evaluated for glycated hemoglobin level. Participant-reported experience measures were evaluated using questionnaires and focus groups and summarized using proportions and thematic analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 902 participants were randomized (n=448, 49.7% to the intervention group and n=454, 50.3% to the control group). Primary outcome data were available for 89.5% (807/902) of the participants. At 6 months, there was no difference in systolic blood pressure between the intervention and control arms (adjusted mean difference=0.9 mm Hg, 95% CI -1.1 to 2.1; P=.38). Of 642 participants with T2D, there was no difference in glycated hemoglobin (adjusted mean difference=0.1%, 95% CI -0.1% to 0.3%; P=.35). Self-reported medication adherence was better in the intervention group (relative risk=0.82, 95% CI 0.68-1.00; P=.045). Participants reported that the SMS text messages were useful (298/344, 86.6%) and easily understood (336/344, 97.7%) and motivated change (217/344, 63.1%). The lack of bidirectional messaging was identified as a barrier.

CONCLUSIONS

The intervention did not improve blood pressure in this cohort, possibly because of high clinician commitment to improved routine patient care as part of the chronic disease management program as well as favorable baseline metrics. There was high program engagement, acceptability, and perceived value. Feasibility as part of an integrated care program was demonstrated. SMS text messaging programs may supplement chronic disease management and support self-care.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12616001689460; https://anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=371769&isReview=true.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID)

RR2-10.1136/bmjopen-2018-025923.

Effect of Telehealth Interventions on Blood Pressure Control: A Meta-analysis

The aim of this study was to find out the effects of telehealth interventions on blood pressure control by conducting a meta-analysis. Six databases were used. The literature review covered the period between December 1, 2020, and January 26, 2021. The meta-analysis was conducted by comprehensive Meta-Analysis Software version 2.2. Categorical variables were analyzed by odds ratios at a confidence interval of 95%. In data formatting and analysis, independent groups (sample size, P value); independent groups (mean, SD); Cohen's d, SE; and paired groups (N, P value) were used. The bias risk was assessed based on the Revised Cochrane Risk-of-Bias Tool for Randomized Trials. Total sample size including 22 studies was 11 120. It was determined that interventions performed through telehealth applications had a significant effect on blood pressure control (odds ratio = -0.14; 95% confidence interval = -0.20 to -0.08; P < .001). In telehealth applications, blood pressure values decreased more when the application was performed through a Web site (-0.31; 95% confidence interval = -0.49 to -0.13), duration of the intervention was 12 months or shorter (-0.18; 95% confidence interval = -0.28 to -0.010), stroke developed in case of hypertension (-0.31, 95% confidence interval = -0.76 to 0.12), and the study was conducted in the Far East countries (-0.24; 95% confidence interval = 0.40 to -0.07). Interventions with telehealth applications are effective in blood pressure management. PROSPERO ID: CRD42021228536.

The Effectiveness of Telemedicine Solutions for the Management of Type 2 Diabetes: A Systematic Review, Meta-Analysis, and Meta-Regression

BACKGROUND

Previous systematic reviews have aimed to clarify the effect of telemedicine on diabetes. However, such reviews often have a narrow focus, which calls for a more comprehensive systematic review within the field. Hence, the objective of the present systematic review, meta-analysis, and meta-regression is to evaluate the effectiveness of telemedicine solutions versus any comparator without the use of telemedicine on diabetes-related outcomes among adult patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D).

METHODS

This review was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. We considered telemedicine randomized controlled trials (RCT) including adults (≥18 years) diagnosed with T2D. Change in glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c, %) was the primary outcome. PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) were searched on October 14, 2020. An overall treatment effect was estimated using a meta-analysis performed on the pool of included studies based on the mean difference (MD). The revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool was applied and the certainty of evidence was graded using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations (GRADE) approach.

RESULTS

The final sample of papers included a total of 246, of which 168 had sufficient information to calculate the effect of HbA1c%. The results favored telemedicine, with an MD of -0.415% (95% confidence interval [CI] = -0.482% to -0.348%). The heterogeneity was great (I² = 93.05%). A monitoring component gave rise to the higher effects of telemedicine.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, telemedicine may serve as a valuable supplement to usual care for patients with T2D. The inclusion of a telemonitoring component seems to increase the effect of telemedicine.

Effectivity of Health Education with Telenursing on the Self-care Ability of Coronary Artery Disease Patients: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND: Coronary artery disease (CAD) develops chronically and progressively, causes recurrence and premature death, so a good knowledge of changes in self-care behavior by patients is needed. Telenursing can be a medium for health education to allow patients to receive information and for nurses to follow up on health conditions without being obstructed by distance, place, time, and carried out sustainably. So far, telenursing has not been reviewed as a recent intervention to deliver education to CAD patients. AIM: This systematic review aimed to determine the effectiveness of health education interventions with telenursing on the self-care of CAD patients based on the implementation media. METHODS: Systematic reviews were conducted based on items found in CINAHL EBSCO, PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar from 2008 to 2019. The combination of keywords used Indonesian and English language. All articles were assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal tool for randomized controlled trial (RCT) and quasi-experiment. After that, the study found was synthesized narratively. RESULTS: A total of 11.319 titles were identified, and seven studies met inclusion criteria with 3313 participants. Six studies were RCT studies, and one was a quasi-experimental study. The results of the narrative synthesis conducted on seven articles showed that health education by telenursing was effective in improving self-care ability, such as maintaining blood pressure, body mass index, hemoglobin A1c levels, fasting blood glucose, and low-density lipoprotein within normal limits. In addition, there was also an increase in physical activity, dietary compliance (consumption of fruits, vegetables and fish), control of salt intake, smoking, and alcohol cessation. The media used were phone calls and text messages. CONCLUSION: This review provides evidence that health education interventions effectively improve the self-care abilities of CAD patients with the media used are text messages and telephone calls.

Effectiveness of a customised mobile phone text messaging intervention supported by data from activity monitors for improving lifestyle factors related to the risk of type 2 diabetes among women after gestational diabetes: protocol for a multicentre randomised controlled trial (SMART MUMS with smart phones 2)

INTRODUCTION

Gestational diabetes (GDM) contributes substantially to the population burden of type 2 diabetes (T2DM), with a high long-term risk of developing T2DM. This study will assess whether a structured lifestyle modification programme for women immediately after a GDM pregnancy, delivered via customised text messages and further individualised using data from activity monitors, improves T2DM risk factors, namely weight, physical activity (PA) and diet.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

This multicentre randomised controlled trial will recruit 180 women with GDM attending Westmead, Campbelltown or Blacktown hospital services in Western Sydney. They will be randomised (1:1) on delivery to usual care with activity monitor (active control) or usual care plus activity monitor and customised education, motivation and support delivered via text messaging (intervention). The intervention will be customised based on breastfeeding status, and messages including their step count achievements to encourage PA. Messages on PA and healthy eating will encourage good lifestyle habits. The primary outcome of the study is healthy lifestyle composed of weight, dietary and PA outcomes, to be evaluated at 6 months. The secondary objectives include the primary objective components, body mass index, breastfeeding duration and frequency, postnatal depression, utilisation of the activity monitor, adherence to obtaining an oral glucose tolerance test post partum and the incidence of dysglycaemia at 12 months. Relative risks and their 95% CIs will be presented for the primary objective and the appropriate regression analysis, adjusting for the baseline outcome results, will be done for each outcome.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

Ethics approval has been received from the Western Sydney Local Health District Human Research Ethics Committee (2019/ETH13240). All patients will provide written informed consent. Study results will be disseminated via the usual channels including peer-reviewed publications and presentations at national and international conferences.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

ACTRN12620000615987; Pre-results.

Effectiveness and acceptability of a text message intervention (DTEXT) on HbA1c and self-management for people with type 2 diabetes. A randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVE

Determine the effectiveness and acceptability of a text message intervention (DTEXT) on HbA1c and self-management behaviors for Australian adults with type 2 diabetes.

METHODS

Using intention to treat analysis and generalized estimating equations, this randomized controlled trial of 395 adults determined change in HbA1c at 3 and 6 months between the intervention and control group. Secondary outcomes included change in nutrition, physical activity, blood lipid profile, body mass index, quality of life, self-efficacy, medication taking and program acceptability.

RESULTS

No significant difference was observed between the intervention or control group for HbA1c at 3 months (P = 0.23) or 6 months (P = 0.22). Significant improvements were seen in consumption of vegetables at 3 months (P < 0.001) and 6 months (P = 0.04); fruit at 3 months (P = 0.046) and discretionary sweet foods at 3 months (P = 0.02). No other significant effects seen. The intervention demonstrated high rates of acceptability (94.0%) and minimal withdrawal (1.5%).

CONCLUSIONS

DTEXT was an acceptable text message intervention that improved some nutritional behaviors in people with type 2 diabetes, but did not significantly improve HbA1c or other outcomes. Further research is required to optimize DTEXT.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

DTEXT provides an acceptable, feasible form of self-management support that may complement existing diabetes care.

The Role of Text Messaging and Telehealth Messaging Apps

This article focuses on the role of text messaging and messaging applications, discusses technical and legal issues, and reviews current examples of the application of text messaging in the clinical adult and pediatric practice. Reviews of current examples of text messaging in adult and pediatric practice show uptake has been increasing substantially in recent years. In pediatric care text messaging has been used for behavior intervention and outcomes tracking. Although applications are promising, the potential of nonsynchronic messaging in the formal delivery of care is still in the neonatal phase compared with its grown-up existence in day-to-day modern life.

Nomogram Based on Risk Factors for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients with Coronary Heart Disease

INTRODUCTION

This study aimed to study risk factors for coronary heart disease (CHD) in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients and establish a clinical prediction model.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

A total of 3402 T2DM patients were diagnosed by clinical doctors and recorded in the electronic medical record system (EMRS) of six Community Health Center Hospitals from 2015 to 2017, including the communities of Huamu, Jinyang, Yinhang, Siping, Sanlin and Daqiao. From September 2018 to September 2019, 3361 patients (41 patients were missing) were investigated using a questionnaire, physical examination, and biochemical index test. After excluding the uncompleted data, 3214 participants were included in the study and randomly divided into a training set (n = 2252) and a validation set (n = 962) at a ratio of 3:1. Through lead absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression analysis and logistic regression analysis of the training set, risk factors were determined and included in a nomogram. The C-index, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, calibration plot and decision curve analysis (DCA) were used to validate the distinction, calibration and clinical practicality of the model.

RESULTS

Age, T2DM duration, hypertension (HTN), hyperuricaemia (HUA), body mass index (BMI), glycosylated haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), high-density lipoprotein (HDL-C) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C) were significant factors in this study. The C-index was 0.750 (0.724-0.776) based on the training set and 0.767 (0.726-0.808) based on the validation set. Through ROC analysis, the set area was 0.750 for the training set and 0.755 for the validation set. The calibration test indicated that the S:P of the prediction model was 0.982 in the training set and 0.499 in the validation set. The decision curve analysis showed that the threshold probability of the model was 16-69% in the training set and 16-73% in the validation set.

CONCLUSION

Based on community surveys and data analysis, a prediction model of CHD in T2DM patients was established.