Adapting home telehealth group appointment model (CoYoT1 clinic) for a low SES, publicly insured, minority young adult population with type 1 diabetes

Clinical practice guidelines for the care of girls and women with Turner syndrome

Turner syndrome (TS) affects 50 per 100 000 females. TS affects multiple organs through all stages of life, necessitating multidisciplinary care. This guideline extends previous ones and includes important new advances, within diagnostics and genetics, estrogen treatment, fertility, co-morbidities, and neurocognition and neuropsychology. Exploratory meetings were held in 2021 in Europe and United States culminating with a consensus meeting in Aarhus, Denmark in June 2023. Prior to this, eight groups addressed important areas in TS care: (1) diagnosis and genetics, (2) growth, (3) puberty and estrogen treatment, (4) cardiovascular health, (5) transition, (6) fertility assessment, monitoring, and counselling, (7) health surveillance for comorbidities throughout the lifespan, and (8) neurocognition and its implications for mental health and well-being. Each group produced proposals for the present guidelines, which were meticulously discussed by the entire group. Four pertinent questions were submitted for formal GRADE (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation) evaluation with systematic review of the literature. The guidelines project was initiated by the European Society for Endocrinology and the Pediatric Endocrine Society, in collaboration with members from the European Society for Pediatric Endocrinology, the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology, the European Reference Network on Rare Endocrine Conditions, the Society for Endocrinology, and the European Society of Cardiology, Japanese Society for Pediatric Endocrinology, Australia and New Zealand Society for Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes, Latin American Society for Pediatric Endocrinology, Arab Society for Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes, and the Asia Pacific Pediatric Endocrine Society. Advocacy groups appointed representatives for pre-meeting discussions and the consensus meeting.

Acceptability of community health worker and peer supported interventions for ethnic minorities with type 2 diabetes: a qualitative systematic review

Objective

Ethnic minority groups in high income countries in North America, Europe, and elsewhere are disproportionately affected by T2DM with a higher risk of mortality and morbidity. The use of community health workers and peer supporters offer a way of ensuring the benefits of self-management support observed in the general population are shared by those in minoritized communities.

Materials and methods

The major databases were searched for existing qualitative evidence of participants' experiences and perspectives of self-management support for type 2 diabetes delivered by community health workers and peer supporters (CHWPs) in ethnically minoritized populations. The data were analysed using Sekhon's Theoretical Framework of Acceptability.

Results

The results are described within five domains of the framework of acceptability collapsed from seven for reasons of clarity and concision: Affective attitude described participants' satisfaction with CHWPs delivering the intervention including the open, trusting relationships that developed in contrast to those with clinical providers. In considering Burden and Opportunity Costs, participants reflected on the impact of health, transport, and the responsibilities of work and childcare on their attendance, alongside a lack of resources necessary to maintain healthy diets and active lifestyles. In relation to Cultural Sensitivity participants appreciated the greater understanding of the specific cultural needs and challenges exhibited by CHWPs. The evidence related to Intervention Coherence indicated that participants responded positively to the practical and applied content, the range of teaching materials, and interactive practical sessions. Finally, in examining the impact of Effectiveness and Self-efficacy participants described how they changed a range of health-related behaviours, had more confidence in dealing with their condition and interacting with senior clinicians and benefitted from the social support of fellow participants and CHWPs.

Conclusion

Many of the same barriers around attendance and engagement with usual self-management support interventions delivered to general populations were observed, including lack of time and resource. However, the insight of CHWPs, their culturally-sensitive and specific strategies for self-management and their development of trusting relationships presented considerable advantages.

Digital Health for Migrants, Ethnic and Cultural Minorities and the Role of Participatory Development: A Scoping Review

Digital health interventions (DHIs) are increasingly used to address the health of migrants and ethnic minorities, some of whom have reduced access to health services and worse health outcomes than majority populations. This study aims to give an overview of digital health interventions developed for ethnic or cultural minority and migrant populations, the health problems they address, their effectiveness at the individual level and the degree of participation of target populations during development. We used the methodological approach of the scoping review outlined by Tricco. We found a total of 2248 studies, of which 57 were included, mostly using mobile health technologies, followed by websites, informational videos, text messages and telehealth. Most interventions focused on illness self-management, mental health and wellbeing, followed by pregnancy and overall lifestyle habits. About half did not involve the target population in development and only a minority involved them consistently. The studies we found indicate that the increased involvement of the target population in the development of digital health tools leads to a greater acceptance of their use.

Current evidence for designing self-management support for underserved populations: an integrative review using the example of diabetes

AIMS

With numerous and continuing attempts at adapting diabetes self-management support programmes to better account for underserved populations, its important that the lessons being learned are understood and shared. The work we present here reviews the latest evidence and best practice in designing and embedding culturally and socially sensitive, self-management support programmes.

METHODS

We explored the literature with regard to four key design considerations of diabetes self-management support programmes: Composition - the design and content of written materials and digital tools and interfaces; Structure - the combination of individual and group sessions, their frequency, and the overall duration of programmes; Facilitators - the combination of individuals used to deliver the programme; and Context - the influence and mitigation of a range of individual, socio-cultural, and environmental factors.

RESULTS

We found useful and recent examples of design innovation within a variety of countries and models of health care delivery including Brazil, Mexico, Netherlands, Spain, United Kingdom, and United States of America. Within Composition we confirmed the importance of retaining best practice in creating readily understood written information and intuitive digital interfaces; Structure the need to offer group, individual, and remote learning options in programmes of flexible duration and frequency; Facilitators where the benefits of using culturally concordant peers and community-based providers were described; and finally in Context the need to integrate self-management support programmes within existing health systems, and tailor their various constituent elements according to the language, resources, and beliefs of individuals and their communities.

CONCLUSIONS

A number of design principles across the four design considerations were identified that together offer a promising means of creating the next generation of self-management support programme more readily accessible for underserved communities. Ultimately, we recommend that the precise configuration should be co-produced by all relevant service and patient stakeholders and its delivery embedded in local health systems.

Greater Telehealth Use Results in Increased Visit Frequency and Lower Physician Related-Distress in Adolescents and Young Adults With Type 1 Diabetes

BACKGROUND

Type one diabetes (T1D) management is challenging for adolescents and young adults (AYAs) due to physiological changes, psychosocial challenges, and increasing independence, resulting in increased diabetes distress and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c). Alternative care models that engage AYAs and improve diabetes-related health outcomes are needed.

METHODS

A 15-month study evaluated an adaptation of the Colorado Young Adults with T1D (CoYoT1) Care model. CoYoT1 Care includes person-centered care, virtual peer groups, and physician training delivered via telehealth. AYAs (aged 16-25 years) were partially randomized to CoYoT1 or standard care, delivered via telehealth or in-person. As the study was ending, the COVID-19 pandemic forced all AYAs to transition to primarily telehealth appointments. This secondary analysis compares changes in clinic attendance, T1D-related distress, HbA1c, and device use between those who attended more than 50% of diabetes clinic visits via telehealth and those who attended more sessions in-person throughout the course of the study.

RESULTS

Out of 68 AYA participants, individuals (n = 39, 57%) who attended most (>50%) study visits by telehealth completed more diabetes care visits (3.3 visits) than those (n = 29, 43%) who primarily attended visits in-person (2.5 visits; P = .007). AYAs who primarily attended visits via telehealth maintained stable physician-related distress, while those who attended more in-person visits reported increases in physician-related distress (P = .03).

CONCLUSIONS

Greater usage of telehealth improved AYA engagement with their care, resulting in increased clinic attendance and reduced physician-related diabetes distress. A person-centered care model delivered via telehealth effectively meets the needs of AYAs with T1D.

Expanding the use of patient-reported outcomes (PROs): Screening youth with type 1 diabetes from underrepresented populations

AIM

Youth from lower socioeconomic status (SES) have suboptimal type 1 diabetes (T1D) outcomes. Patient reported outcomes (PROs) measure psychosocial states and are associated with T1D outcomes, however are understudied in low SES youth. We aimed to evaluate associations between PROs and public insurance status, a proxy for low SES.

METHODS

We analyzed survey data from 129 youth with T1D (age 15.7 ± 2.3 years, 33 % publicly insured) screened with PROMIS Global Health (PGH, measuring global health) and Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9, measuring depressive symptoms) during diabetes appointments. Correlation and regression analyses evaluated differences in PGH and PHQ-9 by insurance status.

RESULTS

For youth with public insurance, lower global health correlated with lower self-monitoring blood glucose (SMBG; r = 0.38,p = 0.033) and older age (r = -0.45,p = 0.005). In youth with private insurance, lower global health correlated with lower SMBG (r = 0.27,p = 0.018) and female sex (rho = 0.26,p = 0.015). For youth with private insurance, higher depressive symptoms correlated with higher body mass index (r = 0.22,p = 0.03) and fewer SMBG (r = -0.35,p = 0.04). In multivariate regression analyses, public insurance was inversely associated with global health (p = 0.027).

CONCLUSION

PGH is a particularly salient PRO in youth with public insurance. Global health may be an important psychosocial factor to assess in youth with T1D from low SES backgrounds.

Virtual Group Appointments Reduce Distress and Improve Care Management in Young Adults with Type 1 Diabetes

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to analyze the impact of virtual group appointments (VGA) on self-reported health-related outcomes and care activities for young adults (YA) with type 1 diabetes (T1D).

METHODS

Fifty-three YA (ages 18-25 years) with T1D participated in a randomized controlled trial (RCT) of the Colorado Young Adults with T1D (CoYoT1) Clinic intervention, encompassing telehealth (TH) with or without VGA. Both new patients (n = 32) and those who participated in a pilot phase (n = 26) were randomized to CoYoT1 Clinic (TH+VGA; n = 23) or TH-only (n = 35) and followed for 1 year. YA completed the Diabetes Distress Scale (DDS), Diabetes Strengths and Resilience (D-STAR), Self-Efficacy in Diabetes (SED), Self-Management of Type 1 Diabetes in Adolescence (SMOD-A), Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression (CES-D), and EuroQol (EQ-5D) scales at baseline and study end.

RESULTS

YA were 67% female, 84% white, 10% Latinx, and the mean age was 20.4 years old. At study end, participants in CoYoT1 Clinic reported significantly reduced diabetes distress compared to those in TH-only, who reported increased levels [Effect Size (ES) = -0.40, P = .02]. Specifically, CoYoT1 Clinic participants reported relative reductions in Physician (ES = -2.87, P = .02) and Regimen-related distress (ES = -0.35, P = .01). In addition, participants in CoYoT1 Clinic reported improved self-management of T1D-related problem solving (ES = 0.47, P = .051) and communication with care providers (ES = 0.39, P = .07).

CONCLUSIONS

Virtual group attendance in CoYoT1 Clinic was associated with significant improvements in diabetes-related distress. Long-term exposure to VGA should be investigated in YA with T1D and other pediatric chronic conditions.

Equity in Medical Care for People Living With Diabetes

Disparities and inequities exist for individuals with diabetes in marginalized communities of color, especially among people with low socioeconomic status. Although these barriers are apparent, only a few care models have been designed for and examined in racially and ethnically diverse individuals. This article reviews models that have been developed and examined in a variety of different populations and focuses on how to implement elements from these programs in clinical practice. Health equity-promoting ideas and approaches that can be applied throughout the life span (children to seniors) are also included. As diabetes health care providers, researchers, educators, policymakers, and advocates, we must now combine our efforts and focus on historically excluded populations to bridge the gap to essential diabetes care.

Telehealth for Young Adults With Diabetes: Addressing Social Determinants of Health

Type 1 diabetes is a challenging chronic condition and can lead to diabetes-related distress and disengagement. Historically disadvantaged, racially and ethnically diverse young adults (YAs) with type 1 diabetes experience higher blood glucose levels and encounter more barriers to care than their White counterparts. Current research shows that telehealth may provide a route for improving psychosocial issues and diabetes care among YAs.

Contextual Fit of a Family Evidence-Based Intervention for Preventing Youth Alcohol Use in Mexico

Reducing youth alcohol use is a public health priority that can be addressed by implementing evidence-based preventive interventions (EBPIs) with high fidelity. However, when EBPIs are delivered in a new geographical setting, lack of contextual fit might interfere with expected effects. The purpose of our study was to understand the contextual fit of the family preventive program, Guiding Good Choices (GGC), to inform its future adaptation in Zacatecas, Mexico. Four focus groups were conducted with parents of children aged 9-14 years (N = 43) from four private companies. After transcribing audiotaped sessions, we used a general inductive approach to obtain codes and derive themes. Parents expressed a high level of interest in program content, highlighting its potential to decrease underage drinking in Mexico. Surface-structure modifications of program audiovisual materials (e.g., new videos with Mexican actors and locations) and delivery methods were recommended by parents to maximize participant acceptability and engagement. Participant definitions of family and perception of family dynamics both support the cultural relevance of the program modules and activities related to this content. Underage drinking was acknowledged by parents as a major problem in Zacatecas. Our findings suggest a need for incorporating an extra session that focuses on addressing low alcohol literacy levels and parents' positive alcohol expectancies. Machismo was not considered a cultural factor that could affect attendance and program activities. In fact, we observed an opportunity to use local masculinity to ensure practice of parental skills at home. Due to the needs expressed by participants and the apparent compatibility and fit of the curriculum contents with the new context, we conclude that GGC could be an adequate EBPI for preventing underage drinking in Mexico.

Telehealth in type 1 diabetes

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The role of telehealth in the care of people with type 1 diabetes (T1D) has expanded dramatically during the coronavirus pandemic, and is expected to remain a major care delivery modality going forward. This review explores the landscape of recent evidence for telehealth in T1D care.

RECENT FINDINGS

Telemedicine for routine T1D care has shown equivalence to standard in-person care, with respect to glycemic control, while also increasing access, convenience, and satisfaction. Telehealth use promotes increased engagement of adolescents with T1D. Telehealth platforms have successfully been used in the care of microvascular complications and to support mental health related to diabetes. Machine learning and advanced decision support will increasingly be used to augment T1D care, as recent evidence suggests increasing capabilities to improve glycemic control. A spectrum of digital connected care services are emerging to support people with diabetes with daily management of diabetes. Finally, policy and systems are required that promote data interoperability, telemedicine provision, and reimbursement to support the ongoing growth of telehealth in T1D.

SUMMARY

A developing field of evidence supports use of telehealth in T1D. As this care modality scales, it has the potential to increase access to high-quality diabetes care for many people with T1D.