Glucometer Usability for 65+ Type 2 Diabetes Patients: Insights on Physical and Cognitive Issues

Abstract

Background: Self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) is of paramount relevance for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients. However, past evidence shows that there are physical and cognitive issues that might limit the usage of glucometers by T2DM patients aged 65 years and over. Objective: Our aim was to investigate the physical and cognitive issues related to the usage of glucometers by T2DM patients aged 65 years and over. Materials and Methods: The extant literature was analysed to define an original framework showing the logical nexus between physical and cognitive issues and quality of life. Then we collected evidence addressing the specific case of the Accu-Chek® Instant glucometer produced by Roche Diabetes Care GmbH, which implements new features claiming to improve usability. We conducted 30 interviews with T2DM patients aged 65 years and over, three interviews with senior nurses, and a focus group with three senior physicians and three senior nurses. Results: From the interviews, both patients and nurses declared that they were generally satisfied with the Accu-Chek® Instant glucometer’s characteristics. In the focus group, the results were commented on and, in the light of some diverging answers, improvements have been set up for future implementation. Conclusions: Our study produces evidence and future suggestions about the usage of glucometers by type 2 diabetes patients aged 65 years and over.

Enhancing diabetes therapy adherence: a comprehensive study on glucometer usability for type 2 diabetes patients

“…Therefore, this study deepens the preliminary insights gathered about the usability and accessibility of glucometers ( 6 ), engaging in the ongoing discourse, while incorporating perspectives from individuals under the age of 65 as well. The major focus of this paper is on the role characteristics have in increasing usability, especially in relation to some specific patients’ characteristics.…”

“…This paper also contributes to the literature by evaluating its usability and compare it in patients aged over 65 in comparison to under 65 patients, differently from previous studies that had the goal to do a comparative analysis between Accu-Chek ® Instant and other glucometers. Indeed, while the literature shows evidence of over 65 patients ( 6 ), a comprehensive assessment of glucometer characteristics and its usability for a wider set of patients is still missing.…”

“…A previous study investigated the physical and cognitive issues that over 65 years T2DM patients undergo when using glucometers for SMBG ( 6 ). From existing literature, it is evident that the primary physical issues patients face with healthcare devices include visual impairment and reduced tactile sensitivity ( 7 , 8 ).…”

“…In the study mentioned before ( 6 ), authors investigated characteristics of devices supporting SMBG in patients over 65, interviewing 30 T2DM early adopters using the Accu-Chek ® Instant glucometer. This device features a backlit display, automatic strip ejector, wide dosing area, and CRI.…”

“…We specifically focus on assessing the performance of the glucometer across various patient demographics. Starting from the explorative research conducted on over 65 patients ( 6 ), in this research we wanted to include also under 65 early-adopter patients, to evaluate the accessibility of the device. Our goal is to provide new insights into the accessibility of the device, particularly among patients who have encountered difficulties with previous devices and those who are new to using a glucometer.…”