A feasibility study to develop a diabetes prevention program for young adults with prediabetes by using digital platforms and a handheld device

Digital Health Interventions to Prevent Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

Digital health interventions (DHIs) have rapidly evolved and significantly revolutionized the health care system. The quadruple aims of health care (improving population health, enhancing consumer experience, enhancing health care provider [HCP] experience, and decreasing health costs) serve as a strategic guiding framework for DHIs. It is unknown how DHIs can impact the burden of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), as measured by the quadruple aims.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to systematically review the effects of DHIs on improving the burden of T2DM, as measured by the quadruple aims.

METHODS

PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, and Web of Science were searched for studies published from January 2014 to March 2024. Primary outcomes were the development of T2DM, hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) change, and blood glucose change (dysglycemia changes). Secondary outcomes were consumer experience, HCP experience, and health care costs. Outcomes were mapped to the quadruple aims. DHIs were categorized using the World Health Organization's DHI classification. For each study, DHI categories were assessed for their effects on each outcome, categorizing the effects as positive, negative, or neutral. The overall effects of each DHI category were determined by synthesizing all reported positive, neutral, or negative effects regardless of the number of studies supporting each effect. The Cochrane risk-of-bias version 2 (RoB 2) tool for randomized trials was used to assess the quality of randomized controlled trials (RCTs), while the ROBINS-I (risk of bias in nonrandomized studies of interventions) tool was applied for nonrandomized studies.

RESULTS

In total, 53 papers were included. For the T2DM development outcome, the effects of DHIs were positive in 1 (1.9%) study and neutral in 9 (17%) studies, and there were insufficient data to assess in 4 (7.5%) studies. For the dysglycemia outcome, the effects were positive in 23 (43.4%) studies and neutral in 24 (45.3%) studies, and there were insufficient data in 6 (11.3%) studies. There were mixed effects on consumer experience (n=13, 24.5%) and a lack of studies reporting HCP experience (n=1, 1.9%) and health care costs (n=3, 5.7%). All studies that reported positive population health outcomes used a minimum of 2 distinct categories of DHIs. Among these successful studies, the one that reported delaying the development of T2DM and 16 (69.6%) of those reporting improvements in dysglycemia involved HCP interaction. Targeted communication with persons (TCP), personal health tracking (PHT), and telemedicine (TM) showed some evidence as a potentially useful tool for T2DM prevention and dysglycemia.

CONCLUSIONS

The effects of DHIs on T2DM prevention, as measured by the quadruple aims, have not been comprehensively assessed, with proven benefits for population health, mixed results for consumer experience, and insufficient studies on HCP experience and health care costs. To maximize their effectiveness in preventing T2DM and managing dysglycemia, DHIs should be used in combination and strategically integrated with in-person or remote HCP interaction.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

PROSPERO CRD42024512690; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/view/CRD42024512690.

A systematic review of the mechanisms influencing engagement in diabetes prevention programmes for people with pre-diabetes

AIMS

To identify barriers and enablers that influence engagement in and acceptability of diabetes prevention programmes for people with pre-diabetes. The results will provide insights for developing strategies and recommendations to improve design and delivery of diabetes prevention programmes with enhanced engagement and acceptability for people with pre-diabetes.

METHODS

This review used a critical realist approach to examine context and mechanisms of diabetes prevention programmes. Medline, Embase, PsycInfo, Cinahl, Web of Science, Scopus and Pre-Medline were searched for English language studies published between 2000 and 2023. A quality assessment was conducted using Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal tools.

RESULTS

A total of 90 papers met inclusion criteria. The included studies used a variety of quantitative and qualitative methodologies. Data extracted focused on barriers and enablers to engagement in and acceptability of diabetes prevention programmes, with seven key mechanisms identified. These included financial, environmental, personal, healthcare, social and cultural, demographic and programme mechanisms. Findings highlighted diverse factors that influenced engagement in preventive programmes and the importance of considering these factors when planning, developing and implementing future diabetes prevention programmes.

CONCLUSIONS

Mechanisms identified in this review can inform design and development of diabetes prevention programmes for people with pre-diabetes and provide guidance for healthcare professionals and policymakers. This will facilitate increased participation and engagement in preventive programmes, potentially reducing progression and/or incidence of pre-diabetes to type 2 diabetes and improving health outcomes.

The characteristics and acceptance of Technology-Enabled diabetes prevention programs (t-DPP) amongst individuals with prediabetes: A scoping review

AIM AND OBJECTIVE

As rising global prevalence of diabetes burdens an overstrained healthcare system, it would be prudent to employ primary prevention strategies. This review aims to detail characteristics of technology-enabled diabetes prevention programs (t-DPP) and the technology acceptance amongst prediabetic individuals.

DESIGN

A scoping review.

REVIEW METHODS

Summative and direct content analysis.

DATA SOURCES

Seven electronic databases-PubMed, Cochrane, Embase, CINAHL, Scopus, PsycINFO and Web of Science-were searched from inception till 9 June 2022 for primary studies conducted on t-DPP. Initial search identified 2412 unique articles. Removal of duplicates and irrelevant articles resulted in 58 full text articles screened and 17 articles meeting the eligibility criteria. There was no limitation to study type or year of publication, but language was limited to English.

RESULTS

Common t-DPP characteristics include physical activity (n = 17), diet control (n = 16), coaching (n = 12), social support (n = 9) and skills acquisition (n = 12). Technological acceptance of t-DPPs were generally positive as participants found them useful (n = 5) and easy to use (n = 4), with majority of the participants interested (n = 5) and engaging well with it (n = 13). However, personal-, design- and technological-level factors were found to negatively influence t-DPPs acceptance.

CONCLUSION

This review reported a generally positive technological acceptance. The result encourages remote delivery of diabetes prevention programs, offering researchers a guide to t-DPP development. However, it also highlights the need for integration of behavioural change theories and socio-cultural considerations, with gaps in knowledge amongst men and young adults.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING

The success of t-DPP can reinforce clinical advice and sustain health behaviours advocated by nurses. Involvement of diabetes-trained nurses would enable continual risk assessment, monitoring and timely intervention to prevent diabetes and potential complications.

REPORTING METHOD

PRISMA-ScR checklist.

Evaluation of feasibility and acceptability of a web-based diabetes prevention program (DPP) for diabetes risk reduction in Chinese Americans in New York City

Introduction

Intensive lifestyle intervention remains an effective modality to reduce diabetes incidence and delay the progression to type 2 diabetes. The primary aim of this study was to pilot-test the feasibility and acceptability of a culturally and linguistically tailored web-based DPP intervention among Chinese Americans with prediabetes living in New York City.

Methods

Thirteen Chinese American participants with prediabetes were recruited to complete a 1-year web-based Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) lifestyle intervention. Quantitative and qualitative measures such as retention rate and data collected from web-based questionnaires and focus groups were collected and analyzed to assess study feasibility and acceptability.

Results and Discussion

Participants were receptive to the program through high engagement, retention and satisfaction. Retention rate was 85%. 92% of participants completed at least 16 sessions out of 22 sessions. Post-trial surveys indicated high satisfaction of 27.2/32 based on Client Satisfaction Questionnaire (CSQ-8) score. Participants expressed the program increased their knowledge and methods to prevent onset of type 2 diabetes such as incorporating healthy eating habits and increasing physical activities. Although not a primary outcome, there was a significant weight reduction of 2.3% at the end of month 8 of the program (p < 0.05). The culturally and linguistically adapted DPP via online platform successfully demonstrated feasibility and acceptability among Chinese Americans with prediabetes. Further evaluation of the web-based Chinese Diabetes Prevention Program in a larger trial is warranted.

Study protocol: Behavioral economics and self-determination theory to change diabetes risk (BEST Change)

BACKGROUND

The Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) and metformin can prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) among patients with prediabetes. Yet, even when these evidence-based strategies are accessible and affordable, uptake is low. Thus, there is a critical need for effective, scalable, and sustainable approaches to increase uptake and engagement in these interventions.

METHODS

In this randomized controlled trial, we will test whether financial incentives and automated messaging to promote autonomous motivation for preventing T2DM can increase DPP participation, metformin use, or both among adults with prediabetes. Participants (n = 380) will be randomized to one of four study arms. Control Arm participants will receive usual care and educational text messages about preventing T2DM. Incentives Arm participants will receive the Control Arm intervention plus financial incentives for DPP participation or metformin use. Tailored Messages Arm participants will receive the Control Arm intervention plus tailored messages promoting autonomous motivation for preventing T2DM. Combined Arm participants will receive the Incentives Arm and Tailored Messages Arm interventions plus messages to increase the personal salience of financial incentives. The primary outcome is change in hemoglobin A1c from baseline to 12 months. Secondary outcomes are change in body weight, DPP participation, and metformin use.

DISCUSSION

If effective, these scalable and sustainable approaches to increase patient motivation to prevent T2DM can be deployed by health systems, health plans, and employers to help individuals with prediabetes lower their risk for developing T2DM.

Health Coaching Strategies for Weight Loss: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Health coaching has emerged as a potential supporting tool for health professionals to overcome behavioral barriers, but its efficacy in weight management remains unclear. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to synthesize and evaluate the quality of evidence supporting the use of self-reported health coaching for weight loss. Seven electronic databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane, Psyinfo, Virtual Health Library, and Scielo) were independently searched from inception to May 2020. This review was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines and quality of evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation recommendations. Any study that investigated a self-reported health coaching intervention with the goal of inducing weight loss in individuals of any age, health, or training status was considered for inclusion. Quantitative data were analyzed using multilevel hierarchical metaregression models conducted within a Bayesian framework. A total of 653 studies were screened and 38 were selected for inclusion. The quality of evidence supporting outcomes based on the entire evidence base was very low and studies were deemed to have high risk of bias. Meta-analysis of controlled studies provided evidence of an effect favoring coaching compared with usual care but was trivial in magnitude [effect size (ES)0.5: -0.09; 95% credible interval (CrI): -0.17, -0.02]. The multilevel extension of Egger's regression-intercept test indicated the existence of publication bias, whereas a sensitivity analysis based only on those studies deemed to be of high quality provided no evidence of an effect of coaching on weight loss (ES0.5: -0.04; 95% CrI: -0.12, 0.09). Considered collectively, the results of this investigation indicate that the available evidence is not of sufficient quality to support the use of self-reported health coaching as a health care intervention for weight loss. This trial was registered at Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) as CRD42020159023.

A systematic review of the behaviour change techniques and digital features in technology-driven type 2 diabetes prevention interventions

Objectives

Our aim was to conduct a systematic review to determine which technology-driven diabetes prevention interventions were effective in producing clinically significant weight loss, and to identify the behaviour change techniques and digital features frequently used in effective interventions.

Methods

We searched five databases (CINAHL, EMBASE, MEDLINE, PsychINFO, and Pubmed) from inception to September 2018 and reviewed 19 experimental and non-experimental studies of 21 technology-driven diet plus physical activity interventions for adults (≥18 years) at risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Behaviour change techniques were coded using the BCT taxonomy v1, and digital features were identified via thematic analysis of intervention descriptions.

Results

Sixty-three per cent of interventions were effective in the short term (achieving ≥3% weight loss at ≤6 months), using an average of 5.6 more behaviour change techniques than non-effective interventions, and 33% were effective in the long term (achieving ≥5% weight loss at ≥12 months), using 3.7 more behaviour change techniques than non-effective interventions. The techniques of social support (unspecified), goal setting (outcome/behaviour), feedback on behaviour, and self-monitoring of outcome(s) of behaviour were identified in over 90% of effective interventions. Interventions containing digital features that facilitated health and lifestyle education, behaviour/outcome tracking, and/or online health coaching were most effective.

Conclusion

The integration of specific behaviour change techniques and digital features may optimise digital diabetes prevention interventions to achieve clinically significant weight loss. Additional research is needed to identify the mechanisms in which behaviour change techniques and digital features directly influence physical activity, dietary behaviours, and intervention engagement.

Choosing coaching frameworks for promoting diet modifications

Theoretical frameworks have successfully guided researchers in implementing coaching interventions to effect dietary changes in adults for both prevention and management of chronic diseases. Three such frameworks include the Transtheoretical Model (TTM), Social Cognitive Theory (SCT), and the Theory of Integrative Nurse Coaching (TINC). This article introduces each theory, followed by an overview of the coaching interventions used to effect dietary behaviour changes within each theory. A condensed version of Turner's synthesis methodology is used to determine if a conceptual connection exists among the three models/theories. The condensed version includes synthesis preparation, synthesis (comparison of converging and diverging components), synthesis refinement (conceptual connection), and a concluding discussion of all three theories related to nursing practice. This synthesis will inform the focus of interventions that aim to promote dietary changes in adults at risk of developing sarcopenia.

Blended face-to-face and online/computer-based education approaches in chronic disease self-management: A critical interpretive synthesis

OBJECTIVE

To review the literature on chronic disease self-management programs that blend face-to-face and online/computer-based education design and delivery.

METHODS

A critical interpretive synthesis was conducted. Studies that described blended chronic disease self-management programs were reviewed. Two reviewers performed independent database searches, eligibility screening, and data extraction. Findings were synthesized using a conceptual mapping process.

RESULTS

Twelve articles were included in the final review. Studies focused on patients with diagnoses of diabetes, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder. Factors influencing the design and delivery of programs focused on patient characteristics (such as disease prognosis, time since diagnosis, social determinants of health, health literacy, and proficiency with online/computer-based technologies).

CONCLUSIONS

Blended learning self-management programs should consider the suitability of programs in light of health conditions and patient characteristics. Individual patient needs can be identified through clinician-driven assessments, including collaborative goal setting and the selection of pertinent educational tools.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

When considering the design and delivery of chronic disease self-management education programs, healthcare providers should consider three factors: 1) patient characteristics, 2) learning perspectives, and 3) design technology options that best meet patient abilities, clinician expertise, and administrative capacity.

Effectiveness of DVD vs. group-initiated diabetes prevention on information uptake for high & low health literacy participants

OBJECTIVE

This study evaluates the effectiveness of technology versus in-person, group-initiated diabetes prevention to enhance comprehension of learning objectives between patients with differing health literacy (HL).

METHODS

Evidence-based content through either a DVD (n = 217) or in-person, group class (n = 225) to initiate the intervention. A teach-back call was used to assess comprehension of, and reinforce, learning objectives. Chi-squared was used to determine differences between conditions (DVD vs Class) and HL levels (High n = 361 vs. Low n = 81) and regression analyses were used to examine relationships.

RESULTS

DVD participants performed significantly better across teach back questions (15.4 ± 2.5 v. 14.8 ± 2.6, p < 0.01), demonstrated comprehension in fewer teach-back rounds (1.9 ± 0.7 v. 2.1 ± 0.7, p < 0.01), and answered more questions correctly on the first try (4.2 ± 1.6 v. 3.4 ± 1.8, p < 0.01). Models for HL levels and modality by HL level were statistically significant (p < 0.01) favoring the DVD.

CONCLUSION

Initiating a diabetes prevention program with the use of a DVD appears to be a superior option to in-person, class sessions. Teach-back and teach-to-goal strategies enables participants of both high and low health literacy levels to receive and confirm mastery of diabetes prevention objectives.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

A teach-back call may improve information uptake increasing the likelihood of health behavior uptake.

Digital Health-Supported Lifestyle Change Programs to Prevent Type 2 Diabetes

IN BRIEF Type 2 diabetes can be prevented or delayed in people with prediabetes through participation in an intensive lifestyle change program (LCP), particularly one based on the Diabetes Prevention Program research study. Digital health offers opportunities to extend the reach of such LCPs and possibly improve on these programs, which traditionally have been delivered in person. In this review, we describe the current state of evidence regarding digital health-supported LCPs and discuss gaps in research and opportunities for future efforts.

Diabetes Prevention for African-Americans: a Scoping Review

BACKGROUND

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is the most common form of diabetes and is preventable in many instances. African-Americans are disproportionately represented in T2DM statistics. The strategies in place to prevent disease development in this population warrant critical examination.

METHODS

A scoping review of literature was conducted to provide an overview of the largely inconsistent approach to African-American T2DM prevention research. Specific research questions included: (1) How are African-Americans treated in the existing T2DM literature? (1a) Are African-Americans primarily treated as a homogenous group in the literature? (1b) Has the literature addressed middle-class African-Americans? (2) Is the T2DM prevention literature focused on primary or secondary prevention? The review included articles published from 1985 to 2016, examining the methodology and approach toward African-Americans in each article.

RESULTS

The review yielded 653 unduplicated articles. Through title, abstract, and full-text screenings, 381 articles were excluded. Of the remaining articles only 37% were focused on the prevention of T2DM development, and only 22.7% described a participant education component. The majority of the studies were observational (n = 19). Only 53.5% included majority African-American participants. Samples ranged from 2 to 27,899 individuals, which were often treated as homogeneous groups in terms of income and/or education (62.3%).

CONCLUSION

The approach to T2DM prevention in African-Americans is largely inconsistent, which may be contributing to stagnation in this area of research.

The impact of structured physical activity on glycaemic control in diabetes prevention programmes: A systematic review

Background:

Seven landmark randomised controlled trials, with some that began as early as the 1990s, observed the prediabetic state, namely, impaired glucose tolerance and impaired fasting glucose conditions, against the impact of lifestyle interventions such as physical activity, to prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes mellitus. In addition to the landmark trials, this systematic review examines 14 studies that retained a focus on prediabetic individuals and measured the efficacy of physical activity on improving glucose tolerance.

Results:

Type, duration and intensity of structured physical activity can have unique benefits to prediabetic individuals. It is posited that diabetes prevention programmes must target prediabetic individuals as belonging to a high-risk group, separate and distinct from those identified with overall risk factors. While the transition from prediabetes to type 2 diabetes mellitus is not completely deterministic, the conversion rate is phenomenally higher among those with impaired glucose tolerance than those with normal glucose levels.

Conclusion:

Tenets of health behaviour models do support inferences that prediabetic individuals are potentially more inclined to weighing the risks and benefits of progressive illnesses and would therefore be more receptive to active participation in interventions. More research is required to develop evidence-based diabetes prevention programmes linked to structured physical activity intervention.

Chronic Disease and Mobile Technology: An Innovative Tool for Clinicians

Chronic disease is common, costly and the epidemic of the 21st century. Primary care providers seek new and innovative approaches to prevent chronic illness. Since the majority of chronic illness management occurs outside a physician's office, providers must use different techniques to support daily self-management of any chronic illness. Assisting the individual to develop life skills to support self-management is one way to improve patient outcomes. Technology, that is easily accessed, may provide an additional method to develop and individual's self-management skills to prevent diabetes.

The Effect of Technology-Mediated Diabetes Prevention Interventions on Weight: A Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Lifestyle interventions targeting weight loss, such as those delivered through the Diabetes Prevention Program, reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Technology-mediated interventions may be an option to help overcome barriers to program delivery, and to disseminate diabetes prevention programs on a larger scale.

OBJECTIVE

We conducted a meta-analysis to evaluate the effect of such technology-mediated interventions on weight loss.

METHODS

In this meta-analysis, six databases were searched to identify studies reporting weight change that used technology to mediate diet and exercise interventions, and targeted individuals at high risk for developing type 2 diabetes. Studies published between January 1, 2002 and August 4, 2016 were included.

RESULTS

The search identified 1196 citations. Of those, 15 studies met the inclusion criteria and evaluated 18 technology-mediated intervention arms delivered to a total of 2774 participants. Study duration ranged from 12 weeks to 2 years. A random-effects meta-analysis showed a pooled weight loss effect of 3.76 kilograms (95% CI 2.8-4.7; P<.001) for the interventions. Several studies also reported improved glycemic control following the intervention. The small sample sizes and heterogeneity of the trials precluded an evaluation of which technology-mediated intervention method was most efficacious.

CONCLUSIONS

Technology-mediated diabetes prevention programs can result in clinically significant amounts of weight loss, as well as improvements in glycaemia in patients with prediabetes. Due to their potential for large-scale implementation, these interventions will play an important role in the dissemination of diabetes prevention programs.

The Effectiveness and Cost of Lifestyle Interventions Including Nutrition Education for Diabetes Prevention: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Type 2 diabetes is a significant public health concern. With the completion of the Diabetes Prevention Program, there has been a proliferation of studies attempting to translate this evidence base into practice. However, the cost, effectiveness, and cost-effectiveness of these adapted interventions is unknown.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this systematic review was to conduct a comprehensive meta-analysis to synthesize the effectiveness, cost, and cost-effectiveness of lifestyle diabetes prevention interventions and compare effects by intervention delivery agent (dietitian vs non-dietitian) and channel (in-person vs technology-delivered).

METHODS

English and full-text research articles published up to July 2015 were identified using the Cochrane Library, PubMed, Education Resources Information Center, CAB Direct, Science Direct, and Google Scholar. Sixty-nine studies met inclusion criteria. Most employed both dietary and physical activity intervention components (four of 69 were diet-only interventions). Changes in weight, fasting and 2-hour blood glucose concentration, and hemoglobin A1c were extracted from each article. Heterogeneity was measured by the I2 index, and study-specific effect sizes or mean differences were pooled using a random effects model when heterogeneity was confirmed.

RESULTS

Participants receiving intervention with nutrition education experienced a reduction of 2.07 kg (95% CI 1.52 to 2.62; P<0.001; I2=90.99%, 95% CI 88.61% to 92.87%) in weight at 12 months with effect sizes over time ranging from small (0.17, 95% CI 0.04 to 0.30; P=0.012; I2= 86.83%, 95% CI 80.42% to 91.14%) to medium (0.65, 95% CI 0.49 to 0.82; P<0.001; I2=98.75%, 95% CI 98.52% to 98.94). Effect sizes for 2-hour blood glucose and hemoglobin A1c level changes ranged from small to medium. The meta-regression analysis revealed a larger relative weight loss in dietitian-delivered interventions than in those delivered by nondietitians (full sample: -1.0 kg; US subsample: -2.4 kg), and did not find statistical evidence that the delivery channel was an important predictor of weight loss. The average cost per kilogram weight loss ranged from $34.06 over 6 months to $1,005.36 over 12 months. The cost of intervention per participant delivered by dietitians was lower than interventions delivered by non-dietitians, although few studies reported costs.

CONCLUSIONS

Lifestyle interventions are effective in reducing body weight and glucose-related outcomes. Dietitian-delivered interventions, compared with those delivered by other personnel, achieved greater weight reduction. No consistent trend was identified across different delivery channels.

Assessing the Critical Parameters of eSMART-MH: A Promising Avatar-Based Digital Therapeutic Intervention to Reduce Depressive Symptoms

PURPOSE

To assess, from the young adults' (YAs') perspectives, the critical parameters (necessity, acceptability, feasibility, fidelity, and safety) of an avatar-based intervention, eSMART-MH, to reduce depressive symptoms.

DESIGN AND METHODS

YAs (n = 60) were randomly assigned to eSMART-MH or control and observed for 12 weeks. Qualitative and quantitative data were collected.

FINDINGS

Necessity, acceptability, fidelity, and safety of eSMART-MH were supported. Feasibility results were mixed. When benchmarked against usual care, eSMART-MH demonstrated greater feasibility.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

eSMART-MH is a promising digital therapeutic for depressive symptoms. Feasibility can be strengthened through "on the go" access via mobile devices and Internet delivery.

Wellness Coaching for People With Prediabetes: A Randomized Encouragement Trial to Evaluate Outreach Methods at Kaiser Permanente, Northern California, 2013

Introduction

Health coaching can improve lifestyle behaviors known to prevent or manage chronic conditions. Little is known about effective ways to encourage health and wellness coaching among people who might benefit. The purpose of this randomized encouragement trial was to assess the relative success of 3 outreach methods (secured email message, telephone message, and mailed letter) on the use of wellness coaching by people with prediabetes.

Methods

A total of 14,584 Kaiser Permanente Northern California (KPNC) patients with diagnosed prediabetes (fasting plasma glucose, 110–125mg/dL) were randomly assigned to be contacted via 1 of 4 intervention arms from January through May 2013. The uptake rate (making an appointment at the Wellness Coaching Center [WCC]) was assessed, and the association between uptake rate and patient characteristics was examined via multivariable logistic regression.

Results

The overall uptake rate across intervention arms was 1.9%. Secured email message had the highest uptake rate (3.0%), followed by letters and telephone messages (P < .05 for all pairwise comparisons). No participants in the usual-care arm (ie, no outreach) made an appointment with the WCC. For each year of increased age, the estimated odds of the uptake increased by 1.02 (odds ratio [OR] = 1.02; 95% CI, 1.01–1.04). Women were nearly twice as likely to make an appointment at the WCC as men (OR = 1.87; 95% CI, 1.40–2.51).

Conclusion

Our results suggest that the WCC can recruit and encourage KPNC members with prediabetes to participate in the WCC. Future research should focus on increasing participation rates in health coaching among patients who may benefit.