Recruitment for an internet-based diabetes self-management program: scientific and ethical implications

A Multi-Method Study of Patient Reach and Attendance in a Pragmatic Trial of Diabetes Shared Medical Appointments

Shared medical appointments (SMAs) are an evidence-based approach to diabetes care in primary care settings, yet practices can struggle to ensure participation, especially among racial and ethnic minority and low-income patients. We conducted a multimethod evaluation of reach and attendance in the Invested in Diabetes study of the comparative effectiveness of two SMA delivery models (standardized and patient-driven) in two practice settings (federally qualified health centers [FQHCs] and clinics serving more commercially insured patients). Through this study, 22 practices reached 6.2% of patients with diabetes through SMAs over 3 years, with good attendance for both practice types and both SMA delivery models. FQHCs were especially successful at enrolling underserved populations and improved attendance with virtual SMAs.

An online acceptance, commitment, and self-compassion based treatment to decrease psychological distress in people with type 2 diabetes: A feasibility randomised-controlled trial

Background and purpose

This study explored the feasibility and acceptability of conducting a larger trial of a self-guided, online self-compassion and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) focused treatment among people with type 2 diabetes (T2D) to decrease psychological distress.

Materials and methods

This study was a two-arm, parallel, feasibility randomised controlled trial with nested qualitative methods. UK adults with T2D were randomly (1:1) allocated to a five-week online self-compassion and ACT treatment or waitlist control. Information regarding recruitment, trial retention, and treatment completion was collected, and post-treatment semi-structured interviews were conducted to assess feasibility and acceptability. Self-report measures of psychological distress (depression, anxiety, diabetes distress) and potential treatment processes (self-compassion and psychological flexibility) were completed as secondary feasibility outcomes.

Results

Fifty-five (60.44 %) out of 91 people who accessed the study link were eligible to participate. Of these, 33 eligible participants (60 %) were randomly assigned to treatment (n = 19) or control arms (waitlist; n = 14). While treatment completion was 47.37 %, trial retention rates were 39.39 % (5-week follow-up) and 21.2 % (9-week follow-up). Secondary feasibility outcomes of treatment effect estimates are difficult to interpret in light of low treatment completion and trial retention rates.

Conclusion

A larger trial of the self-guided, online self-compassion treatment to decrease psychological distress in people with T2D may be beneficial, but it has limited feasibility in its current form. Further efforts are needed to improve treatment acceptability of online self-compassion and ACT focused treatment and trial procedures.

Rationale and design of integrating a parents first obesity intervention with a pediatric weight management intervention for rural families - Evaluating the ripple effect

Rural families are disproportionately affected by obesity. Obesity often runs in families and is impacted by hereditary components, the shared home environment, and parent modeling/child observational learning. Moreover, parent changes in weight predict child changes in weight. Thus, targeting the family unit has the potential to enhance outcomes for adults and children simultaneously. Additionally, engaging rural nurses in medical clinics and schools may be important in determining whether rural telehealth programs are successfully implemented and sustained. This paper describes the rationale and design of a randomized control trial (RCT) evaluating the effectiveness of an integrated adult- and child-focused obesity treatment tailored for rural participants. Outcomes of this study include participant weight loss from baseline to 9-months, device-measured physical activity, and dietary intake. This project will additionally compare reach between clinic and school settings and evaluate the impact of nurse engagement. This study will include 240 participants from eight rural communities who will be randomized to either a Parent +Family-based group or a Newsletter +Family-based group. Parents in the Parent +Family-based group will receive a 3-month adult obesity treatment designed for adult behavior change as a first step. Then, parents and children together will enter the family-based program (iAmHealthy), allowing for potential enhancement of a theorized ripple effect. Parents in the Newsletter +Family-based group will receive 3 monthly newsletters and then participate in the 6-month family-based intervention designed for child behavior change. This study is the first RCT to examine the effectiveness of an integrated adult- and child-focused obesity treatment program. Registered with ClinicalTrials.gov NCT ID NCT05612971.

Frequent Monitoring of Blood Glucose Levels via a Remote Patient Monitoring System Helps Improve Glycemic Control

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the Vivovitals diabetes platform on improving glycemic control and reducing A1C in patients with uncontrolled type II diabetes mellitus by providing more accessible and direct patient care under the monitoring and oversight of their physician.

METHODS

This 12-week, prospective, pragmatic, single-center, double-arm study assessed the impact of the Vivovitals diabetes platform on glycemic control among 78 adults ≥ 18 years of age, with A1C ≥ 7.5% (58 mmol/mol) at baseline. The participants were randomized into two groups. The control group received usual clinic care, while the intervention group was provided with a smartphone linked telehealth application, a pre-configured glucometer, and access to the glycemic readings diary. Blood glucose levels of the intervention group were transmitted to the providers daily. Patients whose blood glucose levels were <70 mg/dL or >180mg/dL were contacted, and modifications were made to diet and medication. The two groups were compared at baseline and 12 weeks using nonparametric tests with p<0.05 considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

Over 12 weeks, the average A1C in the control group reduced by 0.474% (p=0.533; 95% CI: -0.425, -0.523) whereas the average A1C in the intervention group reduced 1.70% (p=0.002; 95% CI: -1.02, -2.39). The estimated treatment difference was expressed via Cohen's d which yielded 0.62. After 12 weeks, A1C values between the control and intervention groups were statistically significant (p = 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Use of the Vivovitals platform may help to improve glycemic control among individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Using a population health management approach to enroll participants in a diabetes prevention trial: reach outcomes from the PREDICTS randomized clinical trial

Population health management (PHM) strategies to address diabetes prevention have the potential to engage large numbers of at-risk individuals in a short duration. We examined a PHM approach to recruit participants to a diabetes prevention clinical trial in a metropolitan health system. We examined reach and representativeness and assessed differences from active and passive respondents to recruitment outreach, and participants enrolled through two clinical screening protocols. The PHM approach included an electronic health record (EHR) query, physician review of identified patients, letter invitation, and telephone follow-up. Data describe the reach and representativeness of potential participants at multiple stages during the recruitment process. Subgroup analyses examined proportional reach, participant differences based on passive versus active recruitment response, and clinical screening method used to determine diabetes risk status. The PHM approach identified 10,177 potential participants to receive a physician letter invitation, 60% were contacted by telephone, 2,796 (46%) completed telephone screening, 1,961 were eligible from telephone screen, and 599 were enrolled in 15 months. Accrual was unaffected by shifting clinical screening protocols despite the increase in participant burden. Relative to census data, study participants were more likely to be obese, female, older, and Caucasian. Relative to the patient population, enrolled participants were less likely to be Black and were older. Active respondents were more likely to have a higher income than passive responders. PHM strategies have the potential to reach a large number of participants in a relatively short period, though concerted efforts are needed to increase participant diversity.

Web-Based Interventions for Dietary Behavior in Adults With Type 2 Diabetes: Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials

Background

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is among the most prevalent noncommunicable health conditions worldwide, affecting over 500 million people globally. Diet is a key aspect of T2DM management with dietary modification shown to elicit clinically meaningful outcomes such as improved glycemic control, and reductions in weight and cardiovascular disease risk factors. Web-based interventions provide a potentially convenient and accessible method for delivering dietary education, but its effects on dietary behavior in people with T2DM are unknown.

Objective

The objective of this review was to determine the effectiveness of web-based interventions on dietary behavior change and glycemic control in people with T2DM.

Methods

Per PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines, systematic literature searches were performed using Medline, Embase, The Cochrane Library, and CINAHL to retrieve papers from January 2013 to May 2019. Randomized controlled trials of web-based interventions in adults with T2DM with reported dietary assessment were included. Population and intervention characteristics, dietary guidelines and assessments, and significant clinical outcomes were extracted. Differences between groups and within groups were assessed for dietary behavior and clinical outcomes.

Results

There were 714 records screened, and five studies comprising 1056 adults were included. Studies measured dietary changes by assessing overall diet quality, changes in specific dietary components, or dietary knowledge scores. Significant improvements in dietary behavior were reported in four out of the five studies, representing healthier food choices, improvements in eating habits, reductions in carbohydrates, added sugar, sodium, saturated fat and overall fat intake, and/or increases in dietary knowledge. Three studies found significant mean reductions for hemoglobin A1c ranging from –0.3% to –0.8%, and/or weight ranging from –2.3 kg to –12.7 kg, fasting blood glucose (–1 mmol/L), waist circumference (–1 cm), and triglycerides (–60.1 mg/dL). These studies provided varied dietary recommendations from standard dietary guidelines, national health program guidelines, and a very low carbohydrate ketogenic diet.

Conclusions

This review provided evidence that web-based interventions may be an effective way to support dietary behavior change in people with T2DM, potentially leading to changes in glycemic control and other clinical outcomes. However, the evidence should be viewed as preliminary as there were only five studies included with considerable heterogeneity in terms of the diets recommended, the dietary assessment measures used, the complexity of the interventions, and the modes and methods of delivery.

Reach of a low-intensity, multicomponent childhood overweight and obesity intervention delivered in an integrated primary care setting

Reach (i.e., proportion and representativeness of participants) of low-intensity, multicomponent childhood overweight/obesity interventions delivered in primary care settings with low-income and/or minority families is unknown. The purpose of this research is to describe the reach of a low-intensity, multicomponent childhood overweight/obesity intervention delivered in an integrated primary care setting in a federally qualified health center (FQHC). Eligibility criteria included children aged 4-10 years with a body mass index (BMI) ≥85th percentile, with a female caregiver. Using the electronic health record (EHR) and release forms, families were broadly categorized into groupings from recruitment flow, with differing proportions calculated from these groupings. Representativeness was determined using EHR data from families who were informed about the program (n = 963). Three calculated reach rates ranged from 54.9% to 3.9%. Lower reach rates were calculated using the number of families randomized (n = 73) as the numerator and the children from families who were informed about the program (n = 963) or all eligible children in the FQHC attending appointments (n = 1,864) as denominators. The first two steps in recruitment, informing families about the program and families initiating participation, were where the largest decreases in reach occurred. Children who were randomized were older, had a higher BMI, had a greater number of medical diagnoses indicating overweight or obesity, and were Hispanic. Reach of the intervention was low. Strategies that assist with reducing time for informing families of treatment and increasing families' awareness of their child's weight status should assist with enhancing reach.

Recruitment and reach in a pragmatic behavioral weight loss randomized controlled trial: implications for real-world primary care practice

BACKGROUND

Obesity is a major risk factor behind some of the most common problems encountered in primary care. Although effective models for obesity treatment have been developed, the 'reach' of these interventions is poor and only a small fraction of primary care patients receive evidence-based treatment. The purpose of this study is to identify factors that impact the uptake (reach) of an evidence-based obesity treatment program within the context of a pragmatic cluster randomized controlled trial comparing three models of care delivery.

METHODS

Recruitment and reach were evaluated by the following measures: 1) mailing response rates, 2) referral sources among participants contacting the study team, 3) eligibility rates, 4) participation rates, and 5) representativeness based on demographics, co-morbid conditions, and healthcare utilization of 1432 enrolled participants compared to > 17,000 non-participants from the clinic-based patient populations. Referral sources and participation rates were compared across study arms and level of clinic engagement.

RESULTS

The response rate to clinic-based mailings was 13.2% and accounted for 66% of overall program recruitment. An additional 22% of recruitment came from direct clinic referrals and 11% from media, family, or friends. Of those screened, 87% were eligible; among those eligible, 86% enrolled in the trial. Participation rates did not vary across the three care delivery arms, but were higher at clinics with high compared to low provider involvement. In addition, clinics with high provider involvement had a higher rate of in clinic referrals (33% versus 16%) and a more representative sample with regards to BMI, rurality, and months since last clinic visit. However, across clinics, enrolled participants compared to non-participants were older, more likely to be female, more likely to have had a joint replacement but less likely to have CVD or smoke, and had fewer hospitalizations.

CONCLUSIONS

A combination of direct patient mailings and in-clinic referrals may enhance the reach of primary care behavioral weight loss interventions, although more proactive outreach is likely necessary for men, younger patients, and those at greater medial risk. Strategies are needed to enhance provider engagement in referring patients to behavioral weight loss programs.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

clnicialtrials.gov NCT02456636. Registered May 28, 2015, https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/results?cond=&term=RE-POWER&cntry=&state=&city=&dist=.

What impact do chronic disease self-management support interventions have on health inequity gaps related to socioeconomic status: a systematic review

Background

The social gradient in chronic disease (CD) is well-documented, and the ability to effectively self-manage is crucial to reducing morbidity and mortality from CD. This systematic review aimed to assess the moderating effect of socioeconomic status on self-management support (SMS) interventions in relation to participation, retention and post-intervention outcomes.

Methods

Six databases were searched for studies of any design published until December 2018. Eligible studies reported on outcomes from SMS interventions for adults with chronic disease, where socioeconomic status was recorded and a between-groups comparison on SES was made. Possible outcomes were participation rates, retention rates and clinical or behavioural post-intervention results.

Results

Nineteen studies were retrieved, including five studies on participation, five on attrition and nine studies reporting on outcomes following SMS intervention. All participation studies reported reduced engagement in low SES cohorts. Studies assessing retention and post-intervention outcomes had variable results, related to the diversity of interventions. A reduction in health disparity was seen in longer interventions that were individually tailored. Most studies did not provide a theoretical justification for the intervention being investigated, although four studies referred to Bandura’s concept of self-efficacy.

Conclusions

The limited research suggests that socioeconomic status does moderate the efficacy of SMS interventions, such that without careful tailoring and direct targeting of barriers to self-management, SMS may exacerbate the social gradient in chronic disease outcomes. Screening for patient disadvantage or workload, rather than simply recording SES, may increase the chances of tailored interventions being directed to those most likely to benefit from them. Future interventions for low SES populations should consider focussing more on treatment burden and patient capacity.

Trial registration

PROSPERO registration CRD42019124760. Registration date 17/4/19.

Improving HbA1c with Glucose Self-Monitoring in Diabetic Patients with EpxDiabetes, a Phone Call and Text Message-Based Telemedicine Platform: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: We conducted a randomized controlled trial of EpxDiabetes, a novel digital health intervention as an adjunct therapy to reduce HbA_1c and fasting blood glucose (FBG) among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). In addition, we examined the effect of social determinants of health on our system. Methods: Sixty-five (n = 65) patients were randomized at a primary care clinic. Self-reported FBG data were collected by EpxDiabetes automated phone calls or text messages. Only intervention group responses were shared with providers, facilitating follow-up and bidirectional communication. ΔHbA_1c and ΔFBG were analyzed after 6 months. Results: There was an absolute HbA_1c reduction of 0.69% in the intervention group (95% confidence interval [CI], -1.41 to 0.02) and an absolute reduction of 0.03% in the control group (95% CI, -0.88 to 0.82). For those with baseline HbA_1c >8%, HbA_1c decreased significantly by 1.17% in the intervention group (95% CI, -1.90 to -0.44), and decreased by 0.02% in the control group (95% CI, -0.99 to 0.94). FBG decreased in the intervention group by 21.6 mg/dL (95% CI, -37.56 to -5.639), and increased 13.0 mg/dL in the control group (95% CI, -47.67 to 73.69). Engagement (proportion responding to ≥25% of texts or calls over 4 weeks) was 58% for the intervention group (95% CI, 0.373-0.627) and 48% for the control group (95% CI, 0.296-0.621). Smoking, number of comorbidities, and response rate were significant predictors of ΔHbA_1c. Conclusions: EpxDiabetes helps to reduce HbA_1c in patients with uncontrolled T2DM and fosters patient-provider communication; it has definite merit as an adjunct therapy in diabetes management. Future work will focus on improving the acceptability of the system and implementation on a larger scale trial.

Rationale and design for a pragmatic effectiveness-implementation trial of online behavioral obesity treatment in primary care

BACKGROUND

Current guidelines recommend behavioral intervention to achieve a modest weight loss (e.g., 3-5%) as a first-line obesity treatment. Online behavioral obesity treatment, delivered via the Rx Weight Loss (RxWL) program, produces clinically significant initial weight losses. However, the program's pragmatic utility in routine medical care has yet to be tested. Further, additional research is needed to determine how best to extend the RxWL program to facilitate weight loss maintenance. This paper summarizes methods for a pragmatic trial aimed at identifying optimal methods for implementation of RxWL in primary care and evaluating relative effectiveness of two approaches to weight loss maintenance.

STUDY DESIGN

RxWL will be implemented in a network of approximately 60 primary care clinics. Implementation outcomes (program uptake and completion metrics) will be compared between a Basic Implementation Intervention consisting primarily of access to RxWL, and an Enhanced Implementation Intervention with additional training in strategies for motivating and supporting patients in their use of RxWL and online clinician support tools for tracking patient progress. Second, two intervention approaches (Monthly Lessons versus Refresher Courses) within the RxWL patient platform will be tested against an educational control condition, and effects on 1-year weight loss maintenance will be compared.

CONCLUSION

This study will provide essential information about the feasibility and utility of online obesity treatment in primary care. It will provide novel information on two approaches to weight loss maintenance for patients in this setting. This project fills key gaps in evidence regarding best practices for obesity treatment in primary care.

A Review of Technology-based Interventions in Improving Type 2 Diabetes Management in Chinese Americans

Health disparities of type 2 diabetes (DM2) in America is an ongoing crisis. Despite this, technology has been helpful in managing DM2 in the non-Hispanic White, Hispanic, and African American populations and has been proven effective. Furthermore, it may be used to supplement health provider DM2 care through telemedicine to lower hemoglobin A1c (A1c), a gold standard DM2 measurement, and other DM2-related outcomes, such as glycated hemoglobin. The purpose of this study was to review current literature on the use of telemedicine in assisting DM2 management in racial ethnic minorities and to discuss how to adjust the telemedicine DM2 management program to be applied to Chinese Americans. In addition, it is worthy to note that the role of nurses makes a substantial difference in the effectiveness of technological management of DM2 from being culturally sensitive and sending catered messages to address specific patient needs.

Prodrome and Non-prodrome Phenotypes of Bladder Pain Syndrome/Interstitial Cystitis

OBJECTIVE

To test the hypothesis that risk factors for bladder pain syndrome/interstitial cystitis (BPS/IC) in women differ between those with and without the BPS/IC prodrome.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Incident cases of BPS/IC and healthy controls were recruited nationally. More than half the BPS/IC cases reported subsyndromal urinary symptoms for decades before onset of BPS/IC and were identified as having the prodrome. Risk factors for BPS/IC were examined separately for cases with and without the prodrome using a set of matched controls.

RESULTS

Two risk factors distinguished 178 prodrome from 134 non-prodrome cases. One was "UTIs" in the year before BPS/IC onset, possibly a manifestation of the prodrome itself. The other was the presence of the maximal number of nonbladder syndromes (NBSs): prodrome cases were 12 times more likely than non-prodrome cases to have ≥4 NBSs. Additional risk factors for prodrome and/or non-prodrome cases were the direct association of exogenous female hormones, as well as 3 inverse associations: type 2 diabetes mellitus, multiple pregnancies, and current daily smoking.

CONCLUSION

Prodrome cases developed urinary symptoms in their early 20s (ie, the prodrome) and were at very high risk of numerous NBSs. Non-prodrome cases developed urinary symptoms in their early 40s (ie, full-blown BPS/IC) and were no more likely than controls to have the maximal number of NBSs. These findings are consistent with recent suggestions of two BPS/IC phenotypes: one with systemic and psychosocial manifestations and the other more specific to the bladder. Additionally, several risk factors identified here might be hints of related or causal nervous system pathophysiologies.

A Multi-Level, Mobile-Enabled Intervention to Promote Physical Activity in Older Adults in the Primary Care Setting (iCanFit 2.0): Protocol for a Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

Most older adults do not adhere to the US Centers for Disease Control physical activity guidelines; their physical inactivity contributes to overweight and multiple chronic conditions. An urgent need exists for effective physical activity-promotion programs for the large number of older adults in the United States.

OBJECTIVE

This study presents the development of the intervention and trial protocol of iCanFit 2.0, a multi-level, mobile-enabled, physical activity-promotion program developed for overweight older adults in primary care settings.

METHODS

The iCanFit 2.0 program was developed based on our prior mHealth intervention programs, qualitative interviews with older patients in a primary care clinic, and iterative discussions with key stakeholders. We will test the efficacy of iCanFit 2.0 through a cluster randomized controlled trial in six pairs of primary care clinics.

RESULTS

The proposed protocol received a high score in a National Institutes of Health review, but was not funded due to limited funding sources. We are seeking other funding sources to conduct the project.

CONCLUSIONS

The iCanFit 2.0 program is one of the first multi-level, mobile-enabled, physical activity-promotion programs for older adults in a primary care setting. The development process has actively involved older patients and other key stakeholders. The patients, primary care providers, health coaches, and family and friends were engaged in the program using a low-cost, off-the-shelf mobile tool. Such low-cost, multi-level programs can potentially address the high prevalence of physical inactivity in older adults.

Participation of Racial and Ethnic Minorities in Technology-Based Interventions to Self-Manage Type 2 Diabetes: A Scoping Review

Purpose: Strategies to decrease societal and cultural barriers for ethnic minorities to participate in health research are well established. However, limited data are available regarding participation of ethnic minorities in mobile and Internet technology–based interventions to self-manage type 2 diabetes where health disparities are predominant. Thus, the purpose was to understand the participation of ethnic minorities in technology-based intervention programs to manage type 2 diabetes. Design/Method: A scoping review was used to review a total of 21 intervention studies containing participant information about ethnic minorities and one qualitative study discussing participation of ethnic minorities. Findings: There was limited enrollment and participation of ethnic minorities. Technological barriers in addition to existing societal and cultural barriers were identified. Strategies to decrease the barriers were recommended. Conclusions: Technological barriers were identified on top of the societal and cultural barriers in traditional interventions. Further research to reduce the barriers is warranted.

Guided Internet-based Psycho-educational Intervention Using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Self-management for Individuals with Chronic Pain: A Feasibility Study

When considering barriers to chronic pain treatment, there is a need to deliver nonpharmacological therapies in a way that is accessible to all individuals who may benefit. To conduct feasibility testing using a guided, Internet-based intervention for individuals with chronic pain, a novel, Internet-based, chronic pain intervention (ICPI) was developed, using concepts proven effective in face-to-face interventions. This study was designed to assess usability of the ICPI and feasibility of conducting larger-scale research, and to collect preliminary data on effectiveness of the intervention. Data were collected at baseline, after each of the six intervention modules, and 12 weeks after intervention completion. Forty-one participants completed baseline questionnaires, and 15 completed the 12-week postintervention questionnaires. At baseline, all participants reported satisfaction with the structure of the intervention and ease of use. Internet-based platforms such as Facebook aided in accrual of participants, making further large-scale study of the ICPI feasible. There is preliminary evidence suggesting that the ICPI improves emotional function but not physical function, with a small but significant decrease in pain intensity and pain interference. Most participants felt they benefited at least minimally as a result of using the ICPI. The ICPI was well received by participants and demonstrated positive outcomes in this preliminary study. Further research with more participants is feasible and necessary to fully assess the effect of this intervention.

Interactive web-based pulmonary rehabilitation programme: a randomised controlled feasibility trial

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to determine if an interactive web-based pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) programme is a feasible alternative to conventional PR.

DESIGN

Randomised controlled feasibility trial.

SETTING

Participants with a diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease were recruited from PR assessments, primary care and community rehabilitation programmes. Patients randomised to conventional rehabilitation started the programme according to the standard care at their referred site on the next available date.

PARTICIPANTS

103 patients were recruited to the study and randomised: 52 to conventional rehabilitation (mean (±SD) age 66 (±8) years, Medical Research Council (MRC) 3 (IQR2-4)); 51 to the web arm (mean (±SD) age 66 (±10) years, MRC 3 (IQR2-4)). Participants had to be willing to participate in either arm of the trial, have internet access and be web literate.

INTERVENTIONS

Patients randomised to the web-based programme worked through the website, exercising and recording their progress as well as reading educational material. Conventional PR consisted of twice weekly, 2 hourly sessions (an hour for exercise training and an hour for education).

OUTCOME MEASURES

Recruitment rates, eligibility, patient preference and dropout and completion rates for both programmes were collected. Standard outcomes for a PR assessment including measures of exercise capacity and quality of life questionnaires were also evaluated.

RESULTS

A statistically significant improvement (p≤0.01) was observed within each group in the endurance shuttle walk test (WEB: mean change 189±211.1; PR classes: mean change 184.5±247.4 s) and Chronic Respiratory disease Questionnaire-Dyspnoea (CRQ-D; WEB: mean change 0.7±1.2; PR classes: mean change 0.8±1.0). However, there were no significant differences between the groups in any outcome. Dropout rates were higher in the web-based programme (57% vs 23%).

CONCLUSIONS

An interactive web-based PR programme is feasible and acceptable when compared with conventional PR. Future trials maybe around choice-based PR programmes for select patients enabling stratification of patient care.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

ISRCTN03142263; Results.

Enablers and barriers to using two-way information technology in the management of adults with diabetes: A descriptive systematic review

Background This systematic review aimed to explore the enablers and barriers faced by adults with diabetes using two-way information communication technologies to support diabetes self-management. Methods Relevant literature was obtained from five databases using search strategies combining four major constructs: adults with diabetes, biomedical technology, communication technology and patient utilisation. Results Of 8430 unique articles identified, 48 were included for review. Risk of bias was assessed using either the Newcastle-Ottowa or Cochrane risk of bias assessment tools. Seventy-one percent of studies were of cohort design with the majority of studies assessed at high or unclear risk of bias. Consistently identified barriers included poorly designed interfaces requiring manual data entry and systems that lacked functionalities valued by patients. Commonly cited enablers included access to reliable technology, highly automated data entry and transmission, graphical display of data with immediate feedback, and supportive health care professionals and family members. Conclusions People with diabetes face a number of potentially modifiable barriers in using technology to support their diabetes management. In order to address these barriers, end users should be consulted in the design process and consideration given to theories of technology adoption to inform design and implementation. Systems should be designed to solve clinical or behavioural problems that are identified by patients as priorities. Technology should be as automated, streamlined, mobile, low cost and integrated as possible in order to limit the burden of usage for the patient and maximise clinical usefulness.

Effects on Engagement and Health Literacy Outcomes of Web-Based Materials Promoting Physical Activity in People With Diabetes: An International Randomized Trial

Background

Developing accessible Web-based materials to support diabetes self-management in people with lower levels of health literacy is a continuing challenge.

Objective

The objective of this international study was to develop a Web-based intervention promoting physical activity among people with type 2 diabetes to determine whether audiovisual presentation and interactivity (quizzes, planners, tailoring) could help to overcome the digital divide by making digital interventions accessible and effective for people with all levels of health literacy. This study also aimed to determine whether these materials can improve health literacy outcomes for people with lower levels of health literacy and also be effective for people with higher levels of health literacy.

Methods

To assess the impact of interactivity and audiovisual features on usage, engagement, and health literacy outcomes, we designed two versions of a Web-based intervention (one interactive and one plain-text version of the same content) to promote physical activity in people with type 2 diabetes. We randomly assigned participants from the United Kingdom, Austria, Germany, Ireland, and Taiwan to either an interactive or plain-text version of the intervention in English, German, or Mandarin. Intervention usage was objectively recorded by the intervention software. Self-report measures were taken at baseline and follow-up (immediately after participants viewed the intervention) and included measures of health literacy, engagement (website satisfaction and willingness to recommend the intervention to others), and health literacy outcomes (diabetes knowledge, enablement, attitude, perceived behavioral control, and intention to undertake physical activity).

Results

In total, 1041 people took part in this study. Of the 1005 who completed health literacy information, 268 (26.67%) had intermediate or low levels of health literacy. The interactive intervention overall did not produce better outcomes than did the plain-text version. Participants in the plain-text intervention group looked at significantly more sections of the intervention (mean difference –0.47, 95% CI –0.64 to –0.30, P<.001), but this did not lead to better outcomes. Health literacy outcomes, including attitudes and intentions to engage in physical activity, significantly improved following the intervention for participants in both intervention groups. These improvements were similar across higher and lower health literacy levels and in all countries. Participants in the interactive intervention group had acquired more diabetes knowledge (mean difference 0.80, 95% CI 0.65-0.94, P<.001). Participants from both groups reported high levels of website satisfaction and would recommend the website to others.

Conclusions

Following established practice for simple, clear design and presentation and using a person-based approach to intervention development, with in-depth iterative feedback from users, may be more important than interactivity and audiovisual presentations when developing accessible digital health interventions to improve health literacy outcomes.

ClinicalTrial

International Standard Randomized Controlled Trial Number (ISRCTN): 43587048; http://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN43587048. (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/6nGhaP9bv)

A pragmatic examination of active and passive recruitment methods to improve the reach of community lifestyle programs: The Talking Health Trial

Background

A primary challenge for behavior change strategies is ensuring that interventions can be effective while also attracting a broad and representative sample of the target population. The purpose of this case-study was to report on (1) the reach of a randomized controlled trial targeting reduced sugary beverages, (2) potential participant characteristic differences based on active versus passive recruitment strategies, and (3) recruitment strategy cost.

Methods

Demographic and recruitment information was obtained for 8 counties and for individuals screened for participation. Personnel activities and time were tracked. Costs were calculated and compared by active versus passive recruitment.

Results

Six-hundred and twenty, of 1,056 screened, individuals were eligible and 301enrolled (77% women; 90% white; mean income $21,981 ± 16,443). Eighty-two and 44% of those responding to passive and active methods, respectively, enrolled in the trial. However, active recruitment strategies yielded considerably more enrolled (active = 199; passive = 102) individuals. Passive recruitment strategies yielded a less representative sample in terms of gender (more women), education (higher), and income (higher; p’s <0.05). The average cost of an actively recruited and enrolled participant was $278 compared to $117 for a passively recruited and enrolled participant.

Conclusions

Though passive recruitment is more cost efficient it may reduce the reach of sugary drink reduction strategies in lower educated and economic residents in rural communities.

Trial registration

Clinicaltrials.gov; ID: NCT02193009, July 2014, retrospectively registered.

The Recruitment Experience of a Randomized Clinical Trial to Aid Young Adult Smokers to Stop Smoking without Weight Gain with Interactive Technology

Multiple recruitment strategies are often needed to recruit an adequate number of participants, especially hard to reach groups. Technology-based recruitment methods hold promise as a more robust form of reaching and enrolling historically hard to reach young adults. The TARGIT study is a randomized two-arm clinical trial in young adults using interactive technology testing an efficacious proactive telephone Quitline versus the Quitline plus a behavioral weight management intervention focusing on smoking cessation and weight change. All randomized participants in the TARGIT study were required to be a young adult smoker (18–35 years), who reported smoking at least 10 cigarettes per day, had a BMI < 40 kg/m^2, and were willing to stop smoking and not gain weight. Traditional recruitment methods were compared to technology-based strategies using standard descriptive statistics based on counts and proportions to describe the recruitment process from initial pre-screening (PS) to randomization into TARGIT. Participants at PS were majority Black (59.80%), female (52.66%), normal or over weight (combined 62.42%), 29.5 years old, and smoked 18.4 cigarettes per day. There were differences in men and women with respect to reasons for ineligibility during PS (p < 0.001; ignoring gender specific pregnancy-related ineligibility). TARGIT experienced a disproportionate loss of minorities during recruitment as well as a prolonged recruitment period due to either study ineligibility or not completing screening activities. Recruitment into longer term behavioral change intervention trials can be challenging and multiple methods are often required to recruit hard to reach groups.

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT01199185

The NHLBI funded TARGIT as part of a U01 Cooperative Agreement and as such the study design was approved. They did not have input into the data collection, analysis, or the interpretation of the data or in the writing of this report.

Who Signs Up for and Engages in a Peer Support Heart Failure Self-management Intervention

BACKGROUND

Many programs for patients with heart failure (HF) fail to improve clinical outcomes in part because of low rates of patient enrollment and engagement. A better understanding of patient characteristics associated with willingness to enroll and then engage in HF self-management programs will improve the design and targeting of programs.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Analyses of screening, baseline, and engagement data from a randomized controlled effectiveness trial of an HF peer self-management support program were conducted. The median age of the 266 recently hospitalized HF patients who enrolled in the study was 69 years, 51% were female, and 26% were minorities (primarily African American). Of 135 randomized to the peer support intervention, only 39% engaged in either the group sessions or telephone peer support calls. Older white women who reported higher baseline health status, functioning, social support, and confidence in their ability to manage and less difficulty with the physical and emotional aspects of living with HF were the most likely to engage in program activities. Minority status and reporting a need for social support were both correlated with higher enrollment but lower engagement in the intervention.

CONCLUSIONS

Although minority patients with poorer reported health status and social support were most likely to consent to participate in the study, participants who engaged in program activities were more likely to have higher baseline health status, functioning, and social support. Developing HF interventions that successfully engage participants most in need of HF self-management support remains a difficult challenge.

Fidelity to and comparative results across behavioral interventions evaluated through the RE-AIM framework: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

The reach, effectiveness, adoption, implementation, and maintenance (RE-AIM) framework was developed to determine potential public health impact of interventions (i.e., programs, policy, and practice). The purpose of this systematic review was to determine (1) comparative results across accurately reported RE-AIM indicators, (2) relevant information when there remains under-reporting or misclassification of data across each dimension, (3) the degree to which authors intervened to improve outcomes related to each dimension, and (4) the number of articles reporting RE-AIM dimensions for a given study.

METHODS

In April 2013, a systematic search of the RE-AIM framework was completed in PubMed, PSYCHInfo, EbscoHost, Web of Science, and Scopus. Evidence was analyzed until January 2015.

RESULTS

Eighty-two interventions that included empirical data related to at least one of the RE-AIM dimensions were included in the review. Across these interventions, they reached a median sample size of 320 participants (M = 4894 ± 28,256). Summarizing the effectiveness indicators, we found that: the average participation rate was 45 % (±28 %), 89 % of the interventions reported positive changes in the primary outcome and 11 interventions reported broader outcomes (e.g., quality of life). As for individual-level maintenance, 11 % of studies showed effects ≥6 months post-program. Average setting and staff adoption rates were 75 % (±32 %) and 79 % (±28 %), respectively. Interventions reported being delivered as intended (82 % (±16 %)) and 22 % intervention reported adaptations to delivery. There were insufficient data to determine average maintenance at the organizational level. Data on costs associated with each dimension were infrequent and disparate: four studies reported costs of recruitment, two reported intervention costs per participant, and two reported adoption costs.

CONCLUSIONS

The RE-AIM framework has been employed in a variety of populations and settings for the planning, delivery, and evaluation of behavioral interventions. This review highlights inconsistencies in the degree to which authors reported each dimension in its entirety as well as inaccuracies in reporting indicators within each dimension. Further, there are few interventions that aim to improve outcomes related to reach, adoption, implementation, and maintenance.

Views of People With High and Low Levels of Health Literacy About a Digital Intervention to Promote Physical Activity for Diabetes: A Qualitative Study in Five Countries

Background

Low health literacy is associated with poor health-related knowledge, illness self-management, health service use, health, and survival, and thus addressing issues related to low health literacy has been highlighted as a pressing international priority.

Objective

To explore views of a digital health promotion intervention designed to be accessible to people with lower levels of health literacy, in particular examining reactions to the interactive and audiovisual elements of the intervention.

Methods

Qualitative think-aloud interviews were carried out with 65 adults with type 2 diabetes in the UK, Ireland, USA, Germany, and Austria, with purposive sampling to ensure representation of people with lower levels of health literacy. Inductive thematic analysis was used to identify common themes. We then systematically compared views in subgroups based on country, health literacy level, age, gender, and time since diagnosis.

Results

Most participants from the chosen countries expressed positive views of most elements and features of the intervention. Some interactive and audiovisual elements required modification to increase their usability and perceived credibility and relevance. There were some differences in views based on age and gender, but very few differences relating to health literacy level or time since diagnosis.

Conclusions

In general, participants found the intervention content and format accessible, appropriate, engaging, and motivating. Digital interventions can and should be designed to be accessible and engaging for people with a wide range of health literacy levels.

The evaluation of an interactive web-based Pulmonary Rehabilitation programme: protocol for the WEB SPACE for COPD feasibility study

INTRODUCTION

Pulmonary Rehabilitation (PR) is an evidence-based intervention that has been recommended in guidelines to be available to those who may benefit. However, not all patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) have access to this service. Healthcare services have shown the need for the provision of PR in other forms to enable patient choice and service capacity. There is an increase in evidence for the use of the internet in the management of long-term conditions to provide education and promote self-management. The aim of this study is to see if an interactive web-based PR programme is a feasible alternative compared with conventional PR.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

This is a feasibility study designed to evaluate the efficacy of providing a web-based PR programme to improve patients exercise capacity, quality of life and promote self-management in patients with moderate to severe COPD compared with conventional PR programmes. Eligible patients will be randomly allocated to receive either the web-based programme or conventional rehabilitation programme for 7 weeks using an internet-based randomisation system. Participants will be recruited from PR assessments, primary care and community rehabilitation programmes. Those randomised to the web-based programme work through the website which contains all the information that the patients receive in the PR classes. They receive weekly phone calls by a professional to help progress through the course on line. The outcome measures will be recruitment rates and eligibility as well as that standard for a PR assessment including measures of exercise capacity, quality of life questionnaires and physical activity.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

The research ethics committee for Northampton has provided ethical approval for the conduct of the study. The results of the study will be disseminated through appropriate conference presentations and peer reviewed journals.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

ISRCTN03142263.

Targeted recruitment of adults with type 2 diabetes for a physical activity intervention

Recruiting sufficient numbers of participants for physical activity trials for individuals with diabetes can be difficult because there are often many behavioral demands for participants, and inclusion and exclusion criteria can be extensive. This study examined the recruitment strategies used for a randomized, controlled trial designed to investigate the efficacy of an automated telephone intervention to promote physical activity in adults with type 2 diabetes in an urban Veterans Administration health care system. Traditional recruitment approaches of posting flyers and obtaining referrals from clinicians did not yield sufficient numbers of interested patients. Using the electronic medical record system to identify patients with uncontrolled diabetes allowed staff to send targeted mailings to participants, and 77% of participants were recruited using this method. The targeted mailing approach elicited a positive response rate of 12% (328 of 2,764 potential participants identified) and appeared to produce a more representative and appropriate sample than other recruitment methods used. Lessons learned in this study may be helpful to researchers in future trials who attempt to recruit participants with diabetes for physical activity protocols.

Causal and bidirectional linkages over time between depression and diabetes regimen distress in adults with type 2 diabetes

AIMS

Diabetes regimen distress (RD) and depression are related constructs, however the nature of their relationship has not been explored over time, leading to difficulties differentiating between RD and depression and for selection of programs of care. We examined longitudinal associations between RD and depression to explicate the direction and mechanism of operation between these two constructs.

METHODS

392 adults with type 2 diabetes participated in a randomized control trial (RCT) to reduce diabetes distress. Participants were assessed for RD and depression symptoms, using the PHQ-8, at baseline, and at 4 and 12 months. Latent growth curve models tested both predictive unidirectional and bidirectional longitudinal associations between changes in RD and depression.

RESULTS

Changes in RD did not significantly predict changes in PHQ-8, nor did changes in PHQ-8 predict changes in RD. A significant bidirectional association was found (Coefficient Estimate=.081, p=.001), where decreases in RD were associated with decreases in PHQ-8. The association was strongest among those with high baseline RD or PHQ-8 scores.

CONCLUSIONS

In the context of an RCT to reduce distress, support was found for a covarying association, in which changes in RD and depression symptoms occurred in tandem over time. No support was found for a causative association. Findings point to RD and depression containing properties that may be related to a shared underlying dimension of emotional distress. Results suggest consideration of both RD and depression in clinical decision making, with interventions selected based on source of distress.

A pilot study examining patient attitudes and intentions to adopt assistive technologies into type 2 diabetes self-management

Approximately half of individuals living with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) have suboptimal self-management, which could be improved by using assistive technologies in self-management regimes. This study examines patient attitudes and intentions to adopt assistive technologies into T2DM self-management. Forty-four participants (M = 58.7 years) with T2DM were recruited from diabetes education classes in the southwestern Ontario, Canada, between February and April 2014. Participants completed a self-reported in-person survey assessing demographic characteristics, current diabetes management, and attitudes toward using assistive technologies in their diabetes self-management. Demographics, disease characteristics, and current technology use and preferences of the cohort were examined, followed by a correlational analysis of descriptive characteristics and attitudes and intentions to use technology in self-management. The majority of (but not all) participants felt that using Internet applications (65%) and smartphone (53.5%) applications for self-management was a good idea. The majority of participants did not currently use an Internet (92.5%) or mobile (96%) application for self-management. Of participants, 77% intended to use an Internet application to manage their diabetes in the future and 58% intended to use mobile applications. Younger age was associated with more positive attitudes (r = -.432, P = .003) and intentions (r = -.425, P = .005) to use assistive technologies in diabetes self-management. Findings suggest that patients, especially those younger in age, are favorable toward adopting assistive technologies into management practice. However, attitudes among older adults are less positive, and few currently make use of such technologies in any age group.

Promoting self-management through adherence among heart failure patients discharged from rural hospitals: a study protocol

Background Heart failure is one of the most prevalent chronic conditions in adults, leading to prolonged morbidity, repeated hospitalizations, and placing tremendous economic burden on the healthcare system. Heart failure patients discharged from rural hospitals, or primarily critical access hospitals, have higher 30-day readmission and mortality rates compared to patients discharged from urban hospitals. Self-management improves heart failure patients’ health outcomes and reduces re-hospitalizations, but adherence to self-management guidelines is low. We propose a home based post-acute care service managed by advanced practice nurses to enhance patient activation and lead to the improvement of self-management adherence in heart failure patients discharged from rural hospitals.

Objective This article describes the study design and research methods used to implement and evaluate the intervention.

Method Our intervention is a 12-week patient activation (Patient AcTivated Care at Home [PATCH]) to improve self-management adherence. Patients were randomized into two parallel groups (12-week PATCH intervention + usual care vs. usual care only) to evaluate the effectiveness of this intervention. Outcomes were measured at baseline, 3 and 6 months.

Discussion

This study aimed to examine the effectiveness of a rural theory based, advance practice nurse led, activation enhancing intervention on the self-management adherence in heart failure patients residing in rural areas. Our expectation is to facilitate adherence to self-management behaviors in heart failure patients following discharge from rural hospitals and decrease complications and hospital readmissions, leading to the reduction of economic burden. 

Clinical Trial Registration Information: ClinicalTrials.gov; https://register.clinicaltrials.gov/ NCT01964053

Internet interventions to support lifestyle modification for diabetes management: a systematic review of the evidence

BACKGROUND

The Internet presents a widely accessible, 24-h means to promote chronic disease management. The objective of this review is to identify studies that used Internet based interventions to promote lifestyle modification among adults with type 2 diabetes.

METHODS

We searched PubMed using the terms: [internet, computer, phone, smartphone, mhealth, mobile health, web based, telehealth, social media, text messages] combined with [diabetes management and diabetes control] through January 2013. Studies were included if they described an Internet intervention, targeted adults with type 2 diabetes, focused on lifestyle modification, and included an evaluation component with behavioral outcomes.

RESULTS

Of the 2803 papers identified, nine met inclusion criteria. Two studies demonstrated improvements in diet and/or physical activity and two studies demonstrated improvements in glycemic control comparing web-based intervention with control. Successful studies were theory-based, included interactive components with tracking and personalized feedback, and provided opportunities for peer support. Website utilization declined over time in all studies that reported on it. Few studies focused on high risk, underserved populations.

CONCLUSION

Web-based strategies provide a viable option for facilitating diabetes self-management. Future research is needed on the use of web-based interventions in underserved communities and studies examining website utilization patterns and engagement over time.

Linking internet-based diabetes self-management to primary care: lessons learned and implications for research translation and practice implementation

There has been little discussion of or research on the key translational issue of how to integrate patient self-management programs across multiple primary care clinics within an HMO. The purpose of this study was to summarize our experiences and lessons learned in trying to integrate information from a web-based diabetes self-management program into primary care and the electronic health record (EHR). We describe plans, implementation, adaptations made, and data on patient and physician reactions to the My Path diabetes self-management program provided to 331 adult primary care patients. Mixed methods results revealed that, despite the availability of a state-of-the-art EHR, the intervention was not well integrated into primary care. Information from health-promotion and disease management programs, even within the same organization and with advanced EHR systems, is challenging to integrate into busy primary care.

REDEEM: a pragmatic trial to reduce diabetes distress

OBJECTIVE

To compare three interventions to reduce diabetes distress (DD) and improve self-management among non-clinically depressed adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

In REDEEM, 392 adults with T2DM and DD were randomized to computer-assisted self-management (CASM), CASM plus DD-specific problem solving (CAPS), or a computer-administered minimal supportive intervention. Primary outcomes were Diabetes Distress Scale (DDS) total, the Emotional Burden (EB) and Regimen Distress (RD) DDS subscales, and diet, exercise, and medication adherence.

RESULTS

Significant and clinically meaningful reductions in DD (DDS, EB, and RD) and self-management behaviors occurred in all three conditions (P < 0.001), with no significant between-group differences. There was, however, a significant group × baseline distress interaction (P < 0.02), in which patients with high baseline RD in the CAPS condition displayed significantly larger RD reductions than those in the other two conditions. RD generated the most distress and displayed the greatest distress reduction as a result of intervention. The pace of DD reduction varied by patient age: older patients demonstrated significant reductions in DD early in the intervention, whereas younger adults displayed similar reductions later. Reductions in DD were accompanied by significant improvements in healthy eating, physical activity, and medication adherence, although not by change in HbA1c.

CONCLUSIONS

DD is malleable and highly responsive to intervention. Interventions that enhance self-management also reduce DD significantly, but DD-specific interventions may be necessary for patients with high initial levels of DD. Future research should identify the minimal, most cost-effective interventions to reduce DD and improve self-management.

Understanding who benefits at each step in an internet-based diabetes self-management program: application of a recursive partitioning approach

BACKGROUND

Efforts to predict success in chronic disease management programs have been generally unsuccessful.

OBJECTIVE

To identify patient subgroups associated with success at each of 6 steps in a diabetes self-management (DSM) program.

DESIGN

Using data from a randomized trial, recursive partitioning with signal detection analysis was used to identify subgroups associated with 6 sequential steps of program success: agreement to participate, completion of baseline, initial website engagement, 4-month behavior change, later engagement, and longer-term maintenance.

SETTING

The study was conducted in 5 primary care clinics within Kaiser Permanente Colorado.

PATIENTS

Different numbers of patients participated in each step, including 2076, 544, 270, 219, 127, and 89. All measures available were used to address success at each step. Intervention. Participants were randomized to receive either enhanced usual care or 1 of 2 Internet-based DSM programs: 1) self-administered, computer-assisted self-management and 2) the self-administered program with the addition of enhanced social support.

MEASUREMENTS

Two sets of potential predictor variables and 6 dichotomous outcomes were created.

RESULTS

Signal detection analysis differentiated successful and unsuccessful subgroups at all but the final step. Different patient subgroups were associated with success at these different steps. Demographic factors (education, ethnicity, income) were associated with initial participation but not with later steps, and the converse was true of health behavior variables.

LIMITATIONS

Analyses were limited to one setting, and the sample sizes for some of the steps were modest.

CONCLUSIONS

Signal detection and recursive partitioning methods may be useful for identifying subgroups that are more or less successful at different steps of intervention and may aid in understanding variability in outcomes.

Successful minority recruitment and adherence in physical activity Internet-based research: the WIN study

BACKGROUND

Researchers studying physical activity often face challenges dealing with recruitment and resources, particularly when conducting longitudinal Internet-based research. Commonly raised methodological problems such as minority recruitment, participant commitment, and participant-staff involvement are addressed through a theoretically driven recruitment and adherence protocol in The Women's Exercise Injuries: Incidence and Risk Factors (WIN) Internet-based study.

OBJECTIVES

The objectives of this paper were to review and suggest solutions to problems of: (1) low recruitment of diverse samples, (2) low adherence, and (3) staffing needs.

METHODS

We recruited 1303 community-dwelling women and followed them through a multiple-phase, longitudinal, Internet-based study. Recruitment and adherence data were analyzed through descriptive methods and logistic regressions to examine participant adherence and sociodemographic factors and predictors of who entered the long-term phase of the study.

RESULTS

We successfully retained 71.6% of the sample through 4 recruitment phases. Twenty-seven percent of the initially recruited sample was racial/ethnically diverse, 24% began the long-term phase, and 23% completed. Several strategies to enhance participant commitment were successfully used during the practice phase, providing a successful, low staff to participant ratio. Logistic regression indicated being married, being older, and having greater Internet skills were predictive of successfully entering the long-term phase of the study.

CONCLUSIONS

Recruitment and compliance protocols were successful in meeting overall and racial/ethnic enrollment and recruitment goals. The theoretically based practice phase techniques were successful in re-engaging noncompliant participants. Strategies for minority enrollment and compliance are evaluated.

Computer-based diabetes self-management interventions for adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus

BACKGROUND

Diabetes is one of the commonest chronic medical conditions, affecting around 347 million adults worldwide. Structured patient education programmes reduce the risk of diabetes-related complications four-fold. Internet-based self-management programmes have been shown to be effective for a number of long-term conditions, but it is unclear what are the essential or effective components of such programmes. If computer-based self-management interventions improve outcomes in type 2 diabetes, they could potentially provide a cost-effective option for reducing the burdens placed on patients and healthcare systems by this long-term condition.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effects on health status and health-related quality of life of computer-based diabetes self-management interventions for adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched six electronic bibliographic databases for published articles and conference proceedings and three online databases for theses (all up to November 2011). Reference lists of relevant reports and reviews were also screened.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised controlled trials of computer-based self-management interventions for adults with type 2 diabetes, i.e. computer-based software applications that respond to user input and aim to generate tailored content to improve one or more self-management domains through feedback, tailored advice, reinforcement and rewards, patient decision support, goal setting or reminders.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors independently screened the abstracts and extracted data. A taxonomy for behaviour change techniques was used to describe the active ingredients of the intervention.

MAIN RESULTS

We identified 16 randomised controlled trials with 3578 participants that fitted our inclusion criteria. These studies included a wide spectrum of interventions covering clinic-based brief interventions, Internet-based interventions that could be used from home and mobile phone-based interventions. The mean age of participants was between 46 to 67 years old and mean time since diagnosis was 6 to 13 years. The duration of the interventions varied between 1 to 12 months. There were three reported deaths out of 3578 participants.Computer-based diabetes self-management interventions currently have limited effectiveness. They appear to have small benefits on glycaemic control (pooled effect on glycosylated haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c): -2.3 mmol/mol or -0.2% (95% confidence interval (CI) -0.4 to -0.1; P = 0.009; 2637 participants; 11 trials). The effect size on HbA1c was larger in the mobile phone subgroup (subgroup analysis: mean difference in HbA1c -5.5 mmol/mol or -0.5% (95% CI -0.7 to -0.3); P < 0.00001; 280 participants; three trials). Current interventions do not show adequate evidence for improving depression, health-related quality of life or weight. Four (out of 10) interventions showed beneficial effects on lipid profile.One participant withdrew because of anxiety but there were no other documented adverse effects. Two studies provided limited cost-effectiveness data - with one study suggesting costs per patient of less than $140 (in 1997) or 105 EURO and another study showed no change in health behaviour and resource utilisation.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Computer-based diabetes self-management interventions to manage type 2 diabetes appear to have a small beneficial effect on blood glucose control and the effect was larger in the mobile phone subgroup. There is no evidence to show benefits in other biological outcomes or any cognitive, behavioural or emotional outcomes.

Using information technology and social networking for recruitment of research participants: experience from an exploratory study of pediatric Klinefelter syndrome

Background

Recruiting pediatric samples for research may be challenging due to parental mistrust of the research process, privacy concerns, and family time constraints. Recruitment of children with chronic and genetic conditions may further complicate the enrollment process.

Objective

In this paper, we describe the methodological challenges of recruiting children for research and provide an exemplar of how the use of information technology (IT) strategies with social networking may improve access to difficult-to-reach pediatric research participants.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional descriptive study of boys between the ages of 8 and 18 years with Klinefelter syndrome. This study presented unique challenges for recruitment of pediatric participants. These challenges are illustrated by the report of recruitment activities developed for the study. We reviewed the literature to explore the issues of recruiting children for research using conventional and IT approaches. Success rates of conventional recruitment approaches, such as brochures, flyers in medical offices, and physician referrals, are compared with IT-based outreach. The IT approaches included teleconferencing via a Klinefelter syndrome support group, services of a Web-based commercial recruitment-matching company, and the development of a university-affiliated research recruitment website with the use of paid advertising on a social networking website (Facebook).

Results

Over a 3-month period, dissemination of over 150 recruitment brochures and flyers placed in a large urban hospital and hospital-affiliated clinical offices, with 850 letters to physicians and patients were not successful. Within the same period, face-to-face recruitment in the clinical setting yielded 4 (9%) participants. Using Web-based and social networking approaches, 39 (91%) agreed to participate in the study. With these approaches, 5 (12%) were recruited from the national Klinefelter syndrome advocacy group, 8 (19%) from local and teleconference support groups, 10 (23%) from a Web-based research recruitment program, and 16 (37%) from the university-affiliated recruitment website. For the initial 6 months, the university website was viewed approximately 2 to 3 times per day on average. An advertisement placed on a social networking site for 1 week increased website viewing to approximately 63 visits per day. Out of 112 families approached using all of these methods, 43 (38%) agreed to participate. Families who declined cited either travel distance to the study site (15, 22%) or unwillingness to disclose the Klinefelter syndrome diagnosis to their sons (54, 78%) as the reasons for nonparticipation.

Conclusions

Use of Web-based technologies enhances the recruitment of difficult-to-reach populations. Of the many approaches employed in this study, the university-affiliated recruitment website supported by a Facebook advertisement appeared to be the most successful. Research grant budgets should include expenses for website registration and maintenance fees as well as online advertisements on social networking websites. Tracking of recruitment referral sources may be helpful in planning future recruitment campaigns.

Use of RE-AIM to Address Health Inequities: Application in a low-income community health center based weight loss and hypertension self-management program

BACKGROUND

While health inequities are well documented, and there are helpful frameworks to understand health disparities, implementation frameworks are also needed to focus the design, evaluation and reporting on interventions targeting populations at increased risk.

PURPOSE

Describe how the RE-AIM framework (Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance) can be used for these purposes and illustrate its application in the context of a randomized, pragmatic weight-loss and hypertension self-management intervention.

METHODS

RE-AIM was used to both plan and evaluate the Be Fit Be Well program for urban community health center patients.

RESULTS

The RE-AIM framework helped to focus attention on and produce high rates of adoption and reach. Implementation rates varied across components. Weight losses were statistically significant, but not clinically significant. They were robust across a variety of patient characteristics, and the program was relatively low cost. Individual weight losses and blood pressure reductions were maintained throughout the 24-month period, but the program was not sustained at any of the three settings.

CONCLUSION

Implementation frameworks such as RE-AIM can help design pragmatic interventions that focus on both the context for disparities reduction and the ultimate goal of public health impact.

Type 1 diabetes eHealth psychoeducation: youth recruitment, participation, and satisfaction

Background

The Internet and other eHealth technologies offer a platform for improving the dissemination and accessibility of psychoeducational programs for youth with chronic illness. However, little is known about the recruitment process and yield of diverse samples in Internet research with youth who have a chronic illness.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to compare the demographic and clinical characteristics of youth with Type 1 diabetes on recruitment, participation, and satisfaction with 2 eHealth psychoeducational programs.

Methods

Youth with Type 1 diabetes from 4 sites in the United States were invited to participate (N=510) with 320 eligible youth consenting (mean age=12.3, SD 1.1; 55.3% female; 65.2% white; and mean A1C=8.3, SD 1.5). Data for this secondary analysis included demographic information (age, race/ethnicity, and income), depressive symptoms, and recruitment rates, including those who refused at point of contact (22.0%), passive refusers who consented but did not participate (15.3%), and those who enrolled (62.7%). Participation (80% lessons completed) and a satisfaction survey (ie, how helpful, enjoyable) were also analyzed. Chi-square or analysis of variance (ANOVA) analyses were used.

Results

There were significant differences in recruitment rates by income and race/ethnicity such that black, Hispanic, or mixed race/ethnicity and low-income youth were more likely to refuse passively compared to white and higher-income youth who were more likely to enroll (P<.001). Participation in program sessions was high, with 78.1% of youth completing at least 4 of 5 sessions. There were no significant differences in participation by program, age, gender, or race/ethnicity. Low-income youth were less likely to participate (P=.002). Satisfaction in both programs was also high (3.9 of 5). There were significant gender, race/ethnicity, and income differences, in that girls (P=.001), black, Hispanic, or mixed race/ethnicity youth (P=.02), and low-income youth (P=.02) reported higher satisfaction. There were no differences in satisfaction by program or age.

Conclusions

Results indicate that black, Hispanic, or mixed race/ethnicity youth and low-income youth with Type 1 diabetes are less likely to enroll in Internet-based research than white and higher-income youth; thus, creative recruitment approaches are needed. Low-income youth were less likely to participate, possibly due to access. However, once enrolled, youth of diverse race/ethnicity and low-income youth with Type 1 diabetes were as highly satisfied with the eHealth programs as white youth and those with higher income. Results suggest that eHealth programs have the potential to reach diverse youth and be appealing to them.

Baseline reach and adoption characteristics in a randomized controlled trial of two weight loss interventions translated into primary care: a structured report of real-world applicability

BACKGROUND

Although the Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) lifestyle intervention reduced type 2 diabetes incidence by 58% among high-risk adults at academic centers, it requires translation into typical primary care settings. Using baseline data from the Evaluation of Lifestyle Interventions to Treat Elevated Cardiometabolic Risk in Primary Care (E-LITE) randomized controlled trial, we evaluated the potential of its two DPP-based interventions to reach their target populations and be adopted into routine use.

METHODS

Overweight/obese adults with increased cardiometabolic risk enrolled from one primary care clinic. Using the RE-AIM (Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, Maintenance) model, we assessed reach with data on patient identification, participation, and representativeness, and adoption with data on intervention feasibility and potential for organizational diffusion.

RESULTS

The target population was identified by searching electronic health records. Contact was attempted for 2391 patients who completed initial screening by phone (56% uptake) or online (44%). Most (88%) of those screened ineligible were not within the target population; 12% were excluded because of research requirements. Conservatively estimated participation rate was 44%. Participants (n=241) included 54% men and had a mean (SD) age of 52.9 years (10.6) and body mass index of 32 kg/m(2) (5.4). Regarding adoption, all clinic physicians agreed to participate. The feasibility of intervention implementation and dissemination was enhanced by leveraging existing intervention, training, and primary care resources.

CONCLUSIONS

E-LITE's lifestyle interventions had fair-to-good potential for primary care reach and adoption. Our trial evidence and structured reporting may inform real-world implementation of translational trials by health networks, physicians, and payers.

Nonparticipation in a population-based trial to increase colorectal cancer screening

BACKGROUND

Many trials have tested different strategies to increase colorectal cancer (CRC) screening. Few describe whether participants are representative of the population from which they are recruited.

PURPOSE

To determine risk factors related to nonparticipation among patients enrolled in an integrated health plan and not up to date for CRC testing, in a trial to increase screening rates.

METHODS

Between July 2008 and October 2009, a total of 15,000 adults aged 50-74 years from 21 clinics in Washington State who were due for CRC screening were contacted. Nonparticipants were defined as English-speaking patients who did not engage in the call or refused participation while still potentially eligible. Log-binomial regression models were used to estimate the relative risk of nonparticipation. Analyses were completed between October 2010 and June 2011.

RESULTS

Patients who were nonwhite, had less education, used tobacco, had less continuity of care, and had lower rates of preventive care and cancer screening were more likely to be nonparticipants. Patients reporting never having received any type of CRC testing or screening were also more likely not to participate (62% of nonparticipants vs 46% of participants; adjusted RR=1.58, 95% CI=1.47, 1.70). Reasons for refusal included costs, risks of procedures, and not wanting their medical records reviewed.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients eligible for but not participating in the trial were more likely to be from minority socioeconomic and racial groups and had behaviors that can negatively affect cancer outcomes. Additional efforts are needed to recruit patients who need CRC screening the most.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

This trial is registered at clinicaltrials.gov NCT 00697047.

Twelve-month outcomes of an Internet-based diabetes self-management support program

OBJECTIVE

Internet-based programs offer potential for practical, cost-effective chronic illness self-management programs.

METHODS

We report 12-month results of an Internet-based diabetes self-management program, with and without additional support, compared to enhanced usual care in a 3-arm practical randomized trial. Patients (n=463) were randomized: 77.3% completed 12-month follow-up. Primary outcomes were changes in health behaviors of healthy eating, physical activity, and medication taking. Secondary outcomes were hemoglobin A1c, body mass index, lipids, blood pressure, and psychosocial factors.

RESULTS

Internet conditions improved health behaviors significantly vs. usual care over the 12-month period (d for effect size=.09-.16). All conditions improved moderately on biological and psychosocial outcomes. Latinos, lower literacy, and higher cardiovascular disease risk patients improved as much as other participants.

CONCLUSIONS

The Internet intervention meets the reach and feasibility criteria for a potentially broad public health impact. However, 12-month magnitude of effects was small, suggesting that different or more intensive approaches are necessary to support long-term outcomes. Research is needed to understand the linkages between intervention and maintenance processes and downstream outcomes.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

Automated self-management interventions should be tailored and integrated into primary care; maintenance of patient self-management can be enhanced through links to community resources.

Enrollment and participation in a pilot walking programme: the role of self-efficacy

This pilot study investigated the association of self-efficacy with enrollment in and compliance with an 8-week exercise trial. We compared self-efficacy levels of adults who were eligible but did not enroll (N=221) to those who enrolled (N=115) and enrollees who were compliant at the end of the study (N=66). Those in the top three self-efficacy quintiles had higher odds of enrollment (adjusted odds ratios (AOR)=2.61-2.82) and being compliant at the end of the trial (AOR=4.31-4.38) compared to those in the lowest efficacy quintile. These results demonstrated the theoretical association between self-efficacy and one's choice of behavior.

Initial and sustained participation in an internet-delivered long-term worksite health promotion program on physical activity and nutrition

Background

Determinants of participation in health promotion programs are largely unknown. To evaluate and implement interventions, information is needed regarding their reach as well as regarding the characteristics of program users and non-users.

Objective

In this study, individual, lifestyle, and health indicators were investigated in relation to initial, and sustained participation in an Internet-delivered physical activity and healthy nutrition program in the workplace setting. In addition, determinants of program website use were studied.

Methods

Determinants of participation were investigated in a longitudinal study among employees from six workplaces participating in a two-year cluster randomized controlled trial. The employees were invited by email to participate. At baseline, all participants visited a website to fill out the questionnaire on lifestyle, work, and health factors. Subsequently, a physical health check was offered, followed by face-to-face advice. Throughout the study period, all participants had access to a website with information on lifestyle and health, and to fully automated personalized feedback on the questionnaire results. Only participants in the intervention received monthly email messages to promote website visits during the first year and had access to additional Web-based tools (self-monitors, a food frequency questionnaire assessing saturated fat intake, and the possibility to ask questions) to support behavior change. Website use was monitored by website statistics measuring access. Logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify characteristics of employees who participated in the program and used the website.

Results

Complete baseline data were available for 924 employees (intervention: n=456, reference: n=468). Lifestyle and health factors were not associated with initial participation. Employees aged 30 years and older were more likely to start using the program and to sustain their participation. Workers with a low intention to increase their physical activity level were less likely to participate (Odds Ratio (OR)=0.60, 95% Confidence interval (95%CI), 0.43-0.85) but more likely to sustain participation throughout the study period (ORs ranging from 1.40 to 2.06). Furthermore, it was found that smokers were less likely to sustain their participation in the first and second year (OR=0.54, 95%CI 0.35-0.82) and to visit the website (OR=0.72, 95%CI 0.54-0.96). Website use was highest in the periods immediately after the baseline (73%) and follow-up questionnaires (71% and 87%). Employees in the intervention were more likely to visit the website in the period they received monthly emails (OR=5.88, 95%CI 3.75-9.20) but less likely to visit the website in the subsequent period (OR=0.62, 95%CI 0.45-0.85).

Conclusions

Modest initial participation and high attrition in program use were found. Workers with a low intention to change their behavior were less likely to participate, but once enrolled they were more likely to sustain their participation. Lifestyle and health indicators were not related to initial participation, but those with an unhealthy lifestyle were less likely to sustain. This might influence program effectiveness. Regular email messages prompted website use, but the use of important Web-based tools was modest. There is a need for more appealing techniques to enhance retention and to keep those individuals who need it most attracted to the program.

Trial Registration

ISRCTN52854353; http://www.controlled-trials.com/ISRCTN52854353

A proposal to speed translation of healthcare research into practice: dramatic change is needed

Efficacy trials have generated interventions to improve health behaviors and biomarkers. However, these efforts have had limited impact on practice and policy. It is suggested that key methodologic and contextual issues have contributed to this state of affairs. Current research paradigms generally have not provided the answers needed for more probable and more rapid translation. A major shift is proposed to produce research with more rapid clinical, public health, and policy impact.

Intervention costs and cost-effectiveness for a multiple-risk-factor diabetes self-management trial for Latinas: economic analysis of ¡Viva Bien!

Information on cost-effectiveness of multiple-risk-factor lifestyle interventions for Latinas with diabetes is lacking. The aim of this paper is to evaluate costs and cost-effectiveness for ¡Viva Bien!, a randomized trial targeting Latinas with type 2 diabetes. We estimated 6-month costs; calculated incremental costs per behavioral, biologic, and quality-of-life change; and performed sensitivity analyses from health plan and participant perspectives. Recruitment, intervention, and participant costs were estimated at $45,896, $432,433, and $179,697, respectively. This translates to $4,634 in intervention costs per ¡Viva Bien! participant; $7,723 in both per unit reduction in hemoglobin A1c and per unit reduction in body mass index. Although costs may be higher than interventions that address one risk factor, potential risks for longer-term health-care costs are high for this at-risk group. Given the benefits of ¡Viva Bien!, cost reductions are recommended to enhance its efficiency, adoption, and long-term maintenance without diluting its effectiveness.

Guide to Health: A Randomized Controlled Trial of the Effects of a Completely WEB-Based Intervention on Physical Activity, Fruit and Vegetable Consumption, and Body Weight

BACKGROUND

Theory-based, efficacious, long-term, completely Internet-based interventions are needed to induce favorable shifts in health behaviors and prevent weight gain.

PURPOSE

To assess nutrition, physical activity, and, secondarily, body weight outcomes in the tailored, social cognitive theory Guide to Health (WB-GTH) program with all recruitment, assessment, and intervention performed on the Internet.

METHODS

The focus of the efficacy study was engaged participants who completed 3 or more program modules plus baseline, 6-months post and, 16-months follow-up assessments (n = 247). To be eligible, participants needed to be between 18-63 years of age, with a BMI between 23-39, sedentary to low-active but otherwise healthy. Participant had a mean age of 45.5 years (10.3), 86.2% were female, with 8.5% from minority groups, with a mean 17.5 (3.0) years of education, and had a median annual household income of about $85k. Nevertheless, about 83% were overweight or obese and about 75% were sedentary (i.e., <5000 steps/day) or had low levels of activity (i.e., 5,000 - 7499 steps/day). Participants were randomized to the WB-GTH-Basic intervention or WB-GTH-Enhanced intervention. Content, overall target behaviors, program goals and strategies were the same in the two interventions with the difference that Basic included a generic feedback and planning approach and Enhanced included a highly tailored planning and feedback approach. Participants reported at assessments pedometer step counts to assess physical activity, bodyweight from a scale provided, and fruit and vegetable (F&V) servings were assessed from food frequency questionnaires completed online.

RESULTS

Participants in both Basic and Enhanced at follow-up increased physical activity by about 1400 steps/day, lost about 3% of bodyweight, and increased F&V by about 1.5 serving/day. There was evidence that the least physically active, those who were obese, and those with poorest nutrition made greater long-term improvements.

CONCLUSIONS

Given similar outcomes for Basic and Enhanced, a relatively simple entirely Internet-based program can help people improve health behaviors and prevent weight gain.

Engagement in a diabetes self-management website: usage patterns and generalizability of program use

Background

Increased access to the Internet and the availability of efficacious eHealth interventions offer great promise for assisting adults with diabetes to change and maintain health behaviors. A key concern is whether levels of engagement in Internet programs are sufficient to promote and sustain behavior change.

Objective

This paper used automated data from an ongoing Internet-based diabetes self-management intervention study to calculate various indices of website engagement. The multimedia website involved goal setting, action planning, and self-monitoring as well as offering features such as “Ask an Expert” to enhance healthy eating, physical activity, and medication adherence. We also investigated participant characteristics associated with website engagement and the relationship between website use and 4-month behavioral and health outcomes.

Methods

We report on participants in a randomized controlled trial (RCT) who were randomized to receive (1) the website alone (n = 137) or (2) the website plus human support (n = 133) that included additional phone calls and group meetings. The website was available in English and Spanish and included features to enhance engagement and user experience. A number of engagement variables were calculated for each participant including number of log-ins, number of website components visited at least twice, number of days entering self-monitoring data, number of visits to the “Action Plan” section, and time on the website. Key outcomes included exercise, healthy eating, and medication adherence as well as body mass index (BMI) and biological variables related to cardiovascular disease risk.

Results

Of the 270 intervention participants, the average age was 60, the average BMI was 34.9 kg/m², 130 (48%) were female, and 62 (23%) self-reported Latino ethnicity. The number of participant visits to the website over 4 months ranged from 1 to 119 (mean 28 visits, median 18). Usage decreased from 70% of participants visiting at least weekly during the first 6 weeks to 47% during weeks 7 to 16. There were no significant differences between website only and website plus support conditions on most of the engagement variables. In total, 75% of participants entered self-monitoring data at least once per week. Exercise action plan pages were visited more often than medication taking and healthy eating pages (mean of 4.3 visits vs 2.8 and 2.0 respectively, P < .001). Spearman nonparametric correlations indicated few significant associations between patient characteristics and summary website engagement variables, and key factors such as ethnicity, baseline computer use, age, health literacy, and education were not related to use. Partial correlations indicated that engagement, especially in self-monitoring, was most consistently related to improvement in healthy eating (r = .20, P = .04) and reduction of dietary fat (r = -.31, P = .001). There was also a significant correlation between self-monitoring and improvement in exercise (r = .20, P = .033) but not with medication taking.

Conclusions

Participants visited the website fairly often and used all of the theoretically important sections, but engagement decreased over 4 months. Usage rates and patterns were similar for a wide range of participants, which has encouraging implications for the potential reach of online interventions.

Trial Registration

NCT00987285; http://clinicaltrials.gov/show/NCT00987285 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/5vpe4RHTV)

Starting the conversation performance of a brief dietary assessment and intervention tool for health professionals

INTRODUCTION

For chronic disease prevention and management, brief but valid dietary assessment tools are needed to determine risk, guide counseling, and monitor progress in a variety of settings. Starting The Conversation (STC) is an eight-item simplified food frequency instrument designed for use in primary care and health-promotion settings.

PURPOSE

This report investigates the feasibility, validity, and sensitivity to change of the STC tool, a simplified screener instrument for assessment and counseling.

METHODS

Data from an ongoing practical efficacy study of type 2 diabetes patients in a diverse population (N=463) were used to document STC validity, robustness, stability, and sensitivity to change from baseline to 4 months. Data were collected from 2008 to 2010, and they were analyzed for this report in 2010.

RESULTS

The eight STC items and summary score performed well. STC items and the summary score were moderately intercorrelated (r =0.39-0.59, p<0.05). The STC summary score was significantly correlated with the NCI fat screener at baseline (r =0.39, p<0.05), and change in the STC summary score correlated with reduction in percentage of calories from fat (r =0.22, p<0.05) from baseline to 4 months. The STC was sensitive to the intervention, with intervention participants improving significantly more than controls on the summary score (M=1.16 vs 0.46, p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The brief STC is a relatively simple, valid, and efficient tool for dietary assessment and intervention in the clinical setting. It is available in English and Spanish and is in the public domain. Researchers and practitioners are encouraged to assess its utility in other settings and with other dietary interventions.