A pilot test of a tailored mobile and web-based diabetes messaging system for adolescents

Abstract

Summary We conducted a pilot trial of a new mobile and web-based intervention to improve diabetes adherence. The text messaging system was designed to motivate and remind adolescents about diabetes self-care tasks. Text messages were tailored according to individually-reported barriers to diabetes self-care. A total of 23 adolescents with type 1 diabetes used the system for a period of three months. On average, they received 10 text messages per week (range 8–12). A matched historical control group from the same clinic was used for comparison. After three months, system users rated the content, usability and experiences with the system, which were very favourable. Comparison of the intervention and control groups indicated a significant interaction between group and time. Both groups had similar HbA1c levels at baseline. After three months, the mean HbA1c level in the intervention group was unchanged (8.8%), but the mean level in the control group was significantly higher (9.9%), P = 0.006. The results demonstrate the feasibility of the messaging system, user acceptance and a promising effect on glycaemic control. Integrating this type of messaging system with online educational programming could prove to be beneficial.

mHealth Intervention Elements and User Characteristics Determine Utility: A Mixed-Methods Analysis

“…MED uses the SuperEgo mobile communications platform 18 to tailor and deliver medication adherence promotion text messages and IVR calls to people with diabetes. 17,19 Users receive a daily tailored text message at a random time each day addressing 1 of their 3 highest ranked barriers to adherence (out of 17 assessed).…”

NICH at Its Best for Diabetes at Its Worst: Texting Teens and Their Caregivers for Better Outcomes

“…15 Text messaging programs present with varying structures, which include text messages created by the research team sent at predetermined times, 9,[12][13][14] text messages based on personal T1D-related goals sent at predetermined times, 11,15 and text messages containing feedback from the medical team in response to participantgenerated texts. 10,13 One recent study 16 combined daily predetermined informational messages with weekly interactive messages related to managing the diabetes regimen.…”

“…10,13 One recent study 16 combined daily predetermined informational messages with weekly interactive messages related to managing the diabetes regimen. In addition, a number of text messaging programs have been combined with other interventions, including changes to insulin regimen, 11 photo diaries, 13 web-based interventions, 12,15 and pedometers; 14 however, no such programs have been combined with in-person behavioral health support.…”

Burden of Diabetes Mellitus and Role of Telemedicine in its Management: Narrative Review

“…A randomized control trial conducted in Netherland on type 2 diabetic patients (207 subjects) to see the improvements in the adherence to treatment by using Real Time Medication Monitoring and mobile text message, found it as an effective method [100]. Recently a study was done in USA to assess the feasibility and acceptance of mobile text message by the diabetic patients and reported positive response was found and it was recommended that its use will prove to be beneficial [101]. One another stud on importance of SMS especially in poor resource setting conducted in India and it was reported that this technique can be used as an innovative approach to fight chronic diseases like type 2 DM [102].…”