Feasibility and acceptability of ‘Low Intensity mental health Support via a Telehealth Enabled Network’ for adults with type 1 and type 2 diabetes: the LISTEN pilot study

Abstract

Background This study examined the feasibility and acceptability of the Low Intensity mental health Support via Telehealth Enabled Network (LISTEN) intervention, for adults with diabetes, facilitated by diabetes health professionals (HPs). Methods LISTEN training. Three HPs participated in three half-day online workshops, and applied their learnings during training cases (maximum four). Competency was assessed with a validated tool and achieving ‘satisfactory’ ratings for three consecutive sessions. LISTEN pilot. A single-group, pre-post study (up to four LISTEN sessions) with online assessments at baseline, post-intervention, and 4-week follow-up. Eligible participants were adults with type 1 or type 2 diabetes, with diabetes distress, but excluded if they had moderate/severe depressive and/or anxiety symptoms. Feasibility was assessed via recruitment and session completion rates. Acceptability was assessed with post-intervention self-report data. Changes in diabetes distress and general emotional well-being from baseline (T1) were explored at post-intervention (T2) and at 4-week follow-up (T3). Results Two HPs achieved competency (median training case sessions required: 7) and progressed to deliver LISTEN in the pilot study. In the pilot, N = 16 adults (Med[IQR] age: 60 [37–73] years; 13 women) with diabetes participated (median sessions per participant: 2). Twelve participants (75%) completed the post-intervention assessment (T2): 92% endorsed the number of sessions offered as ‘just right’, 75% felt comfortable talking with the HP, and 67% were satisfied with LISTEN. Perceived limitations were the structured format and narrow scope of problems addressed. Diabetes distress scores were lower post-intervention. Conclusions This pilot demonstrates the feasibility of training HPs to deliver LISTEN; and the acceptability and potential benefits of LISTEN for adults with diabetes. The findings highlight adaptations that may enhance delivery of, and satisfaction with, LISTEN that will be tested in a hybrid type 1 effectiveness-implementation trial.

Low Intensity mental health Support via a Telehealth Enabled Network for adults with diabetes (LISTEN): Protocol for a hybrid type 1 effectiveness implementation trial

“…LISTEN uses brief PST as a framework for enhancing problem-solving skills, one of seven core diabetes self-management behaviours [26]. We have demonstrated the feasibility and acceptability of training diabetes health professionals to facilitate LISTEN, and of delivering such a program to adults with diabetes [24]. Our research has also suggested potential bene ts of the approach, which need con rmation in a fully powered trial.…”

“…Brief PST is typically delivered over 4-6 sessions and is suitable for delivery by a broad range of health professionals in various settings, including telephone, with high delity [20][21][22][23][24]. Pilot data suggests brief PST reduces diabetes distress and subthreshold depressive symptoms among adults with diabetesrelated retinopathy [25].…”