Preventing diabetes with digital health and coaching for translation and scalability (PREDICTS): A type 1 hybrid effectiveness-implementation trial protocol

Cost-effectiveness analysis of a digital diabetes-prevention programme versus an in-person diabetes-prevention programme in people with prediabetes in the United States

AIM

To assess the cost-effectiveness of a digital diabetes prevention programme (d-DPP) compared with a diabetes prevention programme (DPP) for preventing type 2 diabetes (T2D) in individuals with prediabetes in the United States.

METHODS

A Markov cohort model was constructed, simulating a 10-year period starting at the age of 45 years, with a societal and healthcare sector perspective. The effectiveness of the d-DPP intervention was evaluated using a meta-analysis, with that of the DPP as the comparator. The initial cycle represented the treatment period, and transition probabilities for the post-treatment period were derived from a long-term lifestyle intervention meta-analysis. The onset of T2D complications was estimated using microsimulation. Quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) were calculated based on health utility measured by short form (SF)-12 scores, and a willingness-to-pay threshold of $100 000 per QALY gained was applied.

RESULTS

The d-DPP intervention resulted in cost savings of $3,672 from a societal perspective and $2,990 from a healthcare sector perspective and a gain of 0.08 QALYs compared with the DPP. The dropout rate was identified as a significant factor influencing the results. Probabilistic sensitivity analysis showed that the d-DPP intervention was preferred in 85.8% in the societal perspective and 85.2% in the healthcare sector perspective.

CONCLUSIONS

The d-DPP is a cost-effective alternative to in-person lifestyle interventions for preventing the development of T2D among individuals with prediabetes in the United States.

Reach and Weight Loss Among Comparison Group Participants Who Enrolled in the Active Intervention After a Diabetes Prevention Trial

We examined participation rates, engagement, and weight-loss outcomes of comparison group participants in a diabetes prevention trial who enrolled in a digitally delivered diabetes prevention program (ie, an active intervention) after the original trial ended. We evaluated these outcomes by using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test and 1-sample z test. We found a high participation rate (73%) among comparison group participants and comparable weight-loss outcomes at 12 months (6.8 lb) after initiating participation in the active intervention relative to intervention group participants during the original trial. Findings support providing evidence-based interventions for comparison or control group participants post-trial. Findings also support examining the cost-effectiveness of post-trial interventions, regardless of the limitations of acquiring post-trial data on weight in an uncontrolled setting.

Cost and cost-effectiveness analysis of a digital diabetes prevention program: results from the PREDICTS trial

Although technology-assisted diabetes prevention programs (DPPs) have been shown to improve glycemic control and weight loss, information are limited regarding relevant costs and their cost-effectiveness. To describe a retrospective within-trial cost and cost-effectiveness analysis (CEA) to compare a digital-based DPP (d-DPP) with small group education (SGE), over a 1-year study period. The costs were summarized into direct medical costs, direct nonmedical costs (i.e., times that participants spent engaging with the interventions), and indirect costs (i.e., lost work productivity costs). The CEA was measured by the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER). Sensitivity analysis was performed using nonparametric bootstrap analysis. Over 1 year, the direct medical costs, direct nonmedical costs, and indirect costs per participant were $4,556, $1,595, and $6,942 in the d-DPP group versus $4,177, $1,350, and $9,204 in the SGE group. The CEA results showed cost savings from d-DPP relative to SGE based on a societal perspective. Using a private payer perspective for d-DPP, ICERs were $4,739 and $114 to obtain an additional unit reduction in HbA1c (%) and weight (kg), and were $19,955 for an additional unit gain of quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) compared to SGE, respectively. From a societal perspective, bootstrapping results indicated that d-DPP has a 39% and a 69% probability, at a willingness-to-pay of $50,000/QALY and $100,000/QALY, respectively, of being cost-effective. The d-DPP was cost-effective and offers the prospect of high scalability and sustainability due to its program features and delivery modes, which can be easily translated to other settings.

Study protocol: BRInging the Diabetes prevention program to GEriatric Populations

In the Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) randomized, controlled clinical trial, participants who were  ≥ 60 years of age in the intensive lifestyle (diet and physical activity) intervention had a 71% reduction in incident diabetes over the 3-year trial. However, few of the 26.4 million American adults age ≥65 years with prediabetes are participating in the National DPP. The BRInging the Diabetes prevention program to GEriatric Populations (BRIDGE) randomized trial compares an in-person DPP program Tailored for Older AdulTs (DPP-TOAT) to a DPP-TOAT delivered via group virtual sessions (V-DPP-TOAT) in a randomized, controlled trial design (N = 230). Eligible patients are recruited through electronic health records (EHRs) and randomized to the DPP-TOAT or V-DPP-TOAT arm. The primary effectiveness outcome is 6-month weight loss and the primary implementation outcome is intervention session attendance with a non-inferiority design. Findings will inform best practices in the delivery of an evidence-based intervention.

Telemedicine for diabetes management during COVID-19: what we have learnt, what and how to implement

The past two decades have witnessed telemedicine becoming a crucial part of health care as a method to facilitate doctor-patient interaction. Due to technological developments and the incremental acquisition of experience in its use, telemedicine's advantages and cost-effectiveness has led to it being recognised as specifically relevant to diabetology. However, the pandemic created new challenges for healthcare systems and the rate of development of digital services started to grow exponentially. It was soon discovered that COVID-19-infected patients with diabetes had an increased risk of both mortality and debilitating sequelae. In addition, it was observed that this higher risk could be attenuated primarily by maintaining optimal control of the patient's glucose metabolism. As opportunities for actual physical doctor-patient visits became restricted, telemedicine provided the most convenient opportunity to communicate with patients and maintain delivery of care. The wide range of experiences of health care provision during the pandemic has led to the development of several excellent strategies regarding the applicability of telemedicine across the whole spectrum of diabetes care. The continuation of these strategies is likely to benefit clinical practice even after the pandemic crisis is over.

A Mobile Health-Based Disease Management Program Improves Blood Pressure in People With Multiple Lifestyle-Related Diseases at Risk of Developing Vascular Disease ― A Retrospective Observational Study ―

Background: The overlap of multiple lifestyle-related diseases increases the risk of vascular diseases. This study investigated the effects of a mobile health (mHealth)-based disease management program on blood pressure and the safety of this program in people with multiple lifestyle-related diseases at risk of developing vascular disease.

Methods and Results: This retrospective observational study was conducted using secondary data collected by PREVENT Inc. People with a full history of hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidemia and who participated in a 6-month mHealth-based disease management program were included in the study. The primary outcome was blood pressure. Adverse events during the program were investigated to evaluate safety. In total, 125 participants (mean [±SD] age 55.3±6.2 years) were examined. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure were significantly lower after the intervention than at baseline (systolic blood pressure, 128.0±12.3 vs. 131.9±12.7 mmHg [P<0.001]; diastolic blood pressure, 81.2±9.3 vs. 83.6±8.9 mmHg; P=0.003). No serious adverse events occurred during the program.

Conclusions: The present results indicate that the mHealth-based disease management program may reduce blood pressure in people with multiple lifestyle-related diseases at risk of developing vascular disease and that the program is safe. These findings will help shape future health instructions using mHealth-based interventions.

Effects of a Digital Diabetes Prevention Program: An RCT

INTRODUCTION

In light of the need to expand the reach and access of clinically proven digital Diabetes Prevention Programs (d-DPPs) and the need for rigorous evidence of effectiveness, the purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of a digital Diabetes Prevention Program for improving weight, HbA1c, and cardiovascular risk factors among people with prediabetes compared to enhanced standard care plus waitlist control.

STUDY DESIGN

This was a single-blind RCT among participants at risk of developing type 2 diabetes and included 12 months of follow-up.

SETTING/PARTICIPANTS

A total of 599 volunteer patients with prediabetes were recruited primarily through electronic medical records and primary care practices.

INTERVENTION

Participants were randomized to either a d-DPP (n=299) or a single-session small-group diabetes-prevention education class (n=300) focused on action planning for weight loss. The d-DPPs consisted of 52 weekly sessions, lifestyle coaching, virtual peer support, and behavior tracking tools.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary outcome was a change in HbA1c from baseline to 12 months using intent-to-treat analyses. On the basis of multiple comparisons of endpoints, 95% CIs are presented and 2-sided p<0.025 was required for statistical significance. Secondary outcomes included body weight and cardiovascular disease risk factors.

RESULTS

Among 599 randomized participants (mean age=55.4 years, 61.4% women), 483 (80%) completed the study. The d-DPPs produced significantly greater reductions in HbA1c (0.08%, 95% CI= -0.12, -0.03) and percentage change in body weight (-5.5% vs -2.1%, p<0.001) at 12 months. A greater proportion of the d-DPPs group achieved a clinically significant weight loss ≥5% (43% vs 21%, p<0.001), and more participants shifted from prediabetes to normal HbA1c range (58% vs 48%, p=0.04). Engagement in d-DPPs was significantly related to improved HbA1c and weight loss.

CONCLUSIONS

This d-DPPs demonstrated clinical effectiveness and has significant potential for widespread dissemination and impact, particularly considering the growing demand for telemedicine in preventive healthcare services.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

This study is registered at www.

CLINICALTRIALS

gov (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03312764).

Evaluating the Implementation of a Digital Diabetes Prevention Program in an Integrated Health Care Delivery System Among Older Adults: Results of a Natural Experiment

The purpose of this natural experiment study was to assess the effectiveness of a 12-month digital Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) for adults aged 65-75 years with prediabetes and obesity within a large, integrated health care system. Adjusting for propensity scores and covariates, patients who enrolled and participated in the digital DPP had a mean weight loss of 8.6 lb over 12 months and 5.7 lb by 24 months, compared with a steady, minimal weight loss of 1.3 lb over 12 months and 2.8 lb by 24 months among patients not enrolled. There was a significant difference in mean change in A1C between enrolled and nonenrolled patients over 12 months (-0.10%), but not by 24 months (-0.06%). Digital DPP appears to be an effective weight loss option and potential diabetes prevention intervention for older adults at high risk for type 2 diabetes.

Affective disorders, weight change, and patient engagement in a rural behavioral weight loss trial

BACKGROUND

Adults in rural areas have a higher prevalence of obesity and some mental health conditions. The degree to which mental health influences weight loss among rural residents remains unclear. This study evaluated changes in body weight, physical activity, diet, and program engagement outcomes in a cohort of participants with vs. without an affective disorder in a behavioral weight loss trial.

METHODS

A sample of 1407 adults with obesity were recruited from rural U.S. primary care practices to participate in a weight loss trial. In this secondary analysis, participants were stratified by those with vs. without an affective disorder at baseline. Mixed models were used to estimate changes in outcomes over 24 months.

RESULTS

One-third of participants (n = 468) had an affective disorder. After covariate adjustment, both groups experienced significant weight loss over 24 months, but weight loss was significantly less among those with an affective disorder at all follow-up times (all p's < 0.001; 24-month weight loss -2.7 ± 0.4 vs. -4.8 ± 0.3 kg). Compared to those without an affective disorder, participants with an affective disorder also had significantly less improvement in physical activity and fruit/vegetable consumption, lower attendance at weight loss sessions, and less engagement in setting weight loss goals and strategies.

CONCLUSION

Participants with an affective disorder lost less body weight and less improvement in lifestyle measures over 24 months. These trends paralleled reduced engagement in critical intervention activities such as weight loss session attendance. Future interventions should consider additional methods to minimize disengagement in adults with underlying affective disorders.

Costing a population health management approach for participant recruitment to a diabetes prevention study

Limited research has reported the economic feasibility-from both a research and practice perspective-of efforts to recruit and enroll an intended audience in evidence-based approaches for disease prevention. We aimed to retrospectively assess and estimate the costs of a population health management (PHM) approach to identify, engage, and enroll patients in a Type 1 Hybrid Effectiveness-Implementation (HEI), diabetes-prevention trial. We used activity-based costing to estimate the recruitment costs of a PHM approach integrated within an HEI trial. We took the perspective of a healthcare system that may adopt, and possibly sustain, the strategy in the typical practice. We also estimated replication costs based on how the strategy could be applied in healthcare systems interested in referring patients to a local diabetes prevention program from a payer perspective. The total recruitment and enrollment costs were $360,424 to accrue 599 participants over approximately 15 months. The average cost per screened and enrolled participant was $263 and $620, respectively. Translating to the typical settings, total recruitment costs for replication were estimated as $193,971 (range: $43,827-$210,721). Sensitivity and scenario analysis results indicated replication costs would be approximately $283-$444 per patient enrolled if glucose testing was necessary, based on the Medicare-covered services. From a private payer perspective, and without glucose testing, per-participant assessed costs were estimated at $31. A PHM approach can be used to accrue a large number of participants in a short period of time for an HEI trial, at a comparable cost per participant.

Reach Outcomes and Costs of Different Physician Referral Strategies for a Weight Management Program Among Rural Primary Care Patients: Type 3 Hybrid Effectiveness-Implementation Trial

BACKGROUND

Rural residents are at high risk for obesity; however, little resources exist to address this disproportional burden of disease. Primary care may provide an opportunity to connect primary care patients with overweight and obesity to effective weight management programming.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study is to examine the utility of different physician referral and engagement processes for improving the reach of an evidence-based and technology-delivered weight management program with counseling support for rural primary care patients.

METHODS

A total of 5 rural primary care physicians were randomly assigned a sequence of four referral strategies: point-of-care (POC) referral with active telephone follow-up (ATF); POC referral, no ATF; a population health registry-derived letter referral with ATF; and letter referral, no ATF. For registry-derived referrals, physicians screened a list of patients with BMI ≥25 and approved patients for participation to receive a personalized referral letter via mail.

RESULTS

Out of a potential 991 referrals, 573 (57.8%) referrals were made over 16 weeks, and 98 (9.9%) patients were enrolled in the program (58/98, 59.2% female). Differences based on letter (485/991, 48.9%) versus POC (506/991, 51.1%) referrals were identified for completion (100% vs 7%; P<.001) and for proportion screened (36% vs 12%; P<.001) but not for proportion enrolled (12% vs 8%; P=.10). Patients receiving ATF were more likely to be screened (47% vs 7%; P<.001) and enrolled (15% vs 7%; P<.001) than those not receiving ATF. On the basis of the number of referrals made in each condition, we found variations in the proportion and number of enrollees (POC with ATF: 27/190, 50%; POC no ATF: 14/316, 41%; letter ATF: 30/199; 15.1%; letter no ATF: 27/286, 9.4%). Across all conditions, participants were representative of the racial and ethnic characteristics of the region (60% female, P=.15; 94% White individuals, P=.60; 94% non-Hispanic, P=.19). Recruitment costs totaled US $6192, and the overall recruitment cost per enrolled participant was US $63. Cost per enrolled participant ranged from POC with ATF (US $47), registry-derived letter without ATF (US $52), and POC without ATF (US $56) to registry-derived letter with ATF (US $91).

CONCLUSIONS

Letter referral with ATF appears to be the best option for enrolling a large number of patients in a digitally delivered weight management program; however, POC with ATF and letters without ATF yielded similar numbers at a lower cost. The best referral option is likely dependent on the best fit with clinical resources.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03690557; http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03690557.

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.

Comparing, Contrasting, and Integrating Dissemination and Implementation Outcomes Included in the RE-AIM and Implementation Outcomes Frameworks

As the field of dissemination and implementation science matures, there are a myriad of outcomes, identified in numerous frameworks, that can be considered across individual, organizational, and population levels. This can lead to difficulty in summarizing literature, comparing across studies, and advancing translational science. This manuscript sought to (1) compare, contrast, and integrate the outcomes included in the RE-AIM and Implementation Outcomes Frameworks (IOF) and (2) expand RE-AIM indicators to include relevant IOF dissemination and implementation outcomes. Cross tabular comparisons were made between the constitutive definitions of each construct, across frameworks, to reconcile apparent discrepancies between approaches and to distinguish between implementation outcomes and implementation antecedents. A great deal of consistency was identified across approaches, including adoption (the intention, initial decision, or action to employ an evidence-based intervention), fidelity/implementation (the degree to which an intervention was delivered as intended), organizational maintenance/sustainability (extent to which a newly implemented treatment is maintained or institutionalized), and cost. The IOF construct of penetration was defined as a higher-order construct that may encompass the reach, adoption, and organizational maintenance outcomes within RE-AIM. Within the IOF approach acceptability, appropriateness, and feasibility did not match constitutive definitions of dissemination or implementation but rather reflected theoretical antecedents of implementation outcomes. Integration of the IOF approach across RE-AIM indicators was successfully achieved by expanding the operational definitions of RE-AIM to include antecedents to reach, adoption, implementation, and organizational maintenance. Additional combined metrics were also introduced including penetration, individual level utility, service provider utility, organizational utility, and systemic utility. The expanded RE-AIM indicators move beyond the current approaches described within both the RE-AIM framework and IOF and provides additional planning and evaluation targets that can contribute to the scientific field and increase the translation of evidence into practice.