Increasing Social Determinants of Health Screening Rates Among Six Endocrinology Centers Across the United States: Results From the T1D Exchange Quality Improvement Collaborative.

Social determinants of health (SDOH) are strongly associated with outcomes for people with type 1 diabetes. Six centers in the T1D Exchange Quality Improvement Collaborative applied quality improvement principles to design iterative Plan-Do-Study-Act cycles to develop and expand interventions to improve SDOH screening rates. The interventions tested include staff training, a social risk index, an electronic health record patient-facing portal, partnerships with community organizations, and referrals to community resources. All centers were successful in improving SDOH screening rates, with individual site improvements ranging from 41 to 70% and overall screening across the six centers increasing from a baseline of 1% to 70% in 27 months.

Patient Demographics and Clinical Outcomes Among Type 1 Diabetes Patients Using Continuous Glucose Monitors: Data From T1D Exchange Real-World Observational Study.

BACKGROUND: The benefits of Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) on glycemic management have been demonstrated in numerous studies; however, widespread uptake remians limited. The aim of this study was to provide real-world evidence of patient attributes and clinical outcomes associated with CGM use across clinics in the U.S. based T1D Exchange Quality Improvement (T1DX-QI) Collaborative. METHOD: We examined electronic Health Record data from eight endocrinology clinics participating in the T1DX-QI Collaborative during the years 2017-2019. RESULTS: Among 11,469 type 1 diabetes patients, 48% were CGM users. CGM use varied by race/ethnicity with Non-Hispanic Whites having higher rates of CGM use (50%) compared to Non-Hispanic Blacks (18%) or Hispanics (38%). Patients with private insurance were more likely to use CGM (57.2%) than those with public insurance (33.3%) including Medicaid or Medicare. CGM users had lower median HbA1c (7.7%) compared to nonusers (8.4%). Rates of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and severe hypoglycemia were significantly higher in nonusers compared to CGM users. CONCLUSION: In this real-world study of patients in the T1DX-QI Collaborative, CGM users had better glycemic control and lower rates of DKA and severe hypoglycemia (SH) events, compared to nonusers; however, there were significant sociodemographic disparities in CGM use. Quality improvement and advocacy measures to promote widespread and equitable CGM uptake have the potential to improve clinical outcomes.

Increase in newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes in youth during the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States: A multi-center analysis.

BACKGROUND: An increase in newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes (T1D) has been posited during the COVID-19 pandemic, but data are conflicting. We aimed to determine trends in newly diagnosed T1D and severity of presentation at diagnosis for pediatric and adolescent patients during COVID-19 (2020) as compared to the previous year (2019) in a multi-center analysis across the United States. METHODS: This retrospective study from seven centers in the T1D Exchange Quality Improvement Collaborative (T1DX-QI) included data on new onset T1D diagnosis and proportion in DKA at diagnosis from January 1 to December 31, 2020, compared to the prior year. Chi-square tests were used to compare differences in patient characteristics during the pandemic period compared to the prior year. RESULTS: Across seven sites, there were 1399 newly diagnosed T1D patients in 2020, compared to 1277 in 2019 (p = 0.007). A greater proportion of newly diagnosed patients presented in DKA in 2020 compared to 2019 (599/1399(42.8%) vs. 493/1277(38.6%), p = 0.02), with a higher proportion presenting with severe DKA (p = 0.01) as characterized by a pH <7.1 and/or bicarbonate of <5 mmol/L. Monthly data trends demonstrated a higher number of new T1D diagnoses over the spring and summer months (March to September) of 2020 compared to 2019 (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: We found an increase in newly diagnosed T1D and a greater proportion presenting in DKA at diagnosis during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to the prior year. Future longitudinal studies are needed to confirm these findings with population level data and determine the long-term impact of COVID-19 on diabetes trends.

Factors Associated With Achieving Target A1C in Children and Adolescents With Type 1 Diabetes: Findings From the T1D Exchange Quality Improvement Collaborative.

The optimal care of type 1 diabetes involves consistent glycemic management to avoid short- and long-term complications. However, despite advancements in diabetes technology and standards, achieving adequate glycemic levels in children and adolescents remains a challenge. This study aimed to identify factors associated with achieving the recommended A1C target of <7% from the United States-based multicenter T1D Exchange Quality Improvement Collaborative cohort, including 25,383 children and adolescents living with type 1 diabetes.

Making Diabetes Electronic Medical Record Data Actionable: Promoting Benchmarking and Population Health Improvement Using the T1D Exchange Quality Improvement Portal.

This article describes how the T1D Exchange Quality Improvement Collaborative leverages an innovative web platform, the QI Portal, to gather and store electronic medical record (EMR) data to promote benchmarking and population health improvement in a type 1 diabetes learning health system. The authors explain the value of the QI Portal, the process for mapping center-level data from EMRs using standardized data specifications, and the QI Portal's unique features for advancing population health.

Inequities in Health Outcomes in Children and Adults With Type 1 Diabetes: Data From the T1D Exchange Quality Improvement Collaborative.

Health care inequities among racial and ethnic groups remain prevalent. For people with type 1 diabetes who require increased medical access and care, disparities are seen in access to care and health outcomes. This article reports on a study by the T1D Exchange Quality Improvement Collaborative evaluating differences in A1C, diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), severe hypoglycemia, and technology use among racial and ethnic groups. In a diverse cohort of nearly 20,000 children and adults with type 1 diabetes, A1C was found to differ significantly among racial and ethnic groups. Non-Hispanic Blacks had higher rates of DKA and severe hypoglycemia and the lowest rate of technology use. These results underscore the crucial need to study and overcome the barriers that lead to inequities in the care and outcomes of people with type 1 diabetes.

Adoption of Telemedicine for Type 1 Diabetes Care During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Background: We describe the utilization of telemedicine visits (video or telephone) across the type 1 diabetes (T1D) Exchange Quality Improvement Collaborative (T1DX-QI) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Metrics, site-level survey results, and examples of interventions conducted to support telemedicine in T1D are shown. Materials and Methods: Thirteen clinics (11 pediatric, 2 adult) provided monthly telemedicine metrics between December 2019 and August 2020 and 21 clinics completed a survey about their telemedicine practices. Results: The proportion of telemedicine visits in T1DX-QI before the pandemic was <1%, rising to an average of 95.2% in April 2020 (range 52.3%-99.5%). Three sites initially used mostly telephone visits before converting to video visits. By August 2020, the proportion of telemedicine visits decreased to an average of 45% across T1DX-QI (range 10%-86.6%). The majority of clinics (62%) performed both video and telephone visits; Zoom was the most popular video platform used. Over 95% of clinics reported using CareLink™, Clarity®, Glooko™, and/or t:connect® to view device data, with only one center reporting automated data upload into the electronic medical record. The majority of centers had multidisciplinary teams participating in the video visits. All sites reported reimbursement for video visits, and 95% of sites reported coverage for telephone visits early on in the pandemic. Conclusions: There was rapid adoption of telemedicine in T1DX-QI during the COVID-19 pandemic. Future insurance reimbursement for telemedicine visits and the ideal ratio of telemedicine to in-person visits in T1D care remain to be determined.

Adherence to multiple medications in the TODAY (Treatment Options for type 2 Diabetes in Adolescents and Youth) cohort: effect of additional medications on adherence to primary diabetes medication.

Background Non-adherence to diabetes medication leads to poor outcomes and increased healthcare costs. Multiple factors affecting adherence in adults with type 2 diabetes (T2D) have been identified, but pediatric data is sparse. We aimed to determine whether initiation of additional oral medications or insulin affects adherence to primary study medication (PSM) in the Treatment Options for type 2 Diabetes in Adolescents and Youth (TODAY) study. Methods Six hundred and ninety-nine youth (aged 10-17 years) with recent-onset T2D were randomized in the TODAY study. Participants were categorized as adherent (≥80% taken by pill count) or non-adherent (<80%), and adherence was compared between those on additional medications or not. Subgroup analyses to assess influence of race/ethnicity, gender, medication type, or depression were performed. Results At 36 months, 46.3% of participants were taking additional oral medications and 31.9% were on insulin. There was no difference in study medication adherence with additional oral medications (55.1%, 67.1%, and 56.7% at month 36 in those prescribed 0, 1, or 2+ additional medications; p = 0.16). Girls on oral contraceptives (OC) had higher adherence (65.2% vs. 55.8% at month 36; p = 0.0054). Participants on insulin had lower adherence (39.7% vs. 59.3% at 36 months; p < 0.0001). There was decreased adherence in participants with baseline depression (p = 0.008). Conclusions Additional oral medications did not influence adherence to diabetes medications in TODAY. Addition of insulin led to reduced adherence. In subgroup analyses, OC use was associated with higher adherence in girls, while baseline depression was associated with lower adherence overall. Further studies examining potentially modifiable risk factors of adherence in pediatric T2D are needed.

Correlates of Medication Adherence in the TODAY Cohort of Youth With Type 2 Diabetes.

OBJECTIVE: To identify factors that predict medication adherence and to examine relationships among adherence, glycemic control, and indices of insulin action in TODAY (Treatment Options for Type 2 Diabetes in Adolescents and Youth). RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: A total of 699 youth 10-17 years old with recent-onset type 2 diabetes and ≥80% adherence to metformin therapy for ≥8 weeks during a run-in period were randomized to receive one of three treatments. Participants took two study pills twice daily. Adherence was calculated by pill count from blister packs returned at visits. High adherence was defined as taking ≥80% of medication; low adherence was defined as taking <80% of medication. Depressive symptoms, insulin sensitivity (1/fasting insulin), insulinogenic index, and oral disposition index (oDI) were measured. Survival analysis examined the relationship between medication adherence and loss of glycemic control. Generalized linear mixed models analyzed trends in adherence over time. RESULTS: In this low socioeconomic cohort, high and low adherence did not differ by sex, age, family income, parental education, or treatment group. Adherence declined over time (72% high adherence at 2 months, 56% adherence at 48 months, P < 0.0001). A greater percentage of participants with low adherence had clinically significant depressive symptoms at baseline (18% vs. 12%, P = 0.0415). No adherence threshold predicted the loss of glycemic control. Longitudinally, participants with high adherence had significantly greater insulin sensitivity and oDI than those with low adherence. CONCLUSIONS: In the cohort, the presence of baseline clinically significant depressive symptoms was associated with subsequent lower adherence. Medication adherence was positively associated with insulin sensitivity and oDI, but, because of disease progression, adherence did not predict long-term treatment success.

A Case of Reversible Cardiomyopathy Managed Successfully.

Cardiomyopathy accounts for 0.7% of cardiac deaths in the United States. Dilated cardiomyopathy as the primary manifestation of hyperthyroidism is a rare phenomenon. Presenting the case of a middle-aged African American woman with a history of hypertension and asthma, who experienced progressive shortness of breath. Extensive work-up revealed dilated cardiomyopathy with hyperfunctioning thyroid gland that responded well to antithyroid therapy. An interval echocardiogram showed significant reversal of cardiac dysfunction. The reversible nature of this disease entity was again proven when the patient was successfully treated for heart failure for the second time a few months later and was again found to have normalization of cardiomyopathic changes.

Feasibility of immediate assessment of fine needle aspirates of thyroid nodules by telecytopathology.

OBJECTIVE: In this study we discuss the diagnostic accuracy and unsatisfactory rate of onsite evaluation of ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration (USGFNA) of thyroid nodules using telecytopathology and compare it to that of a control group without telecytopathology. METHODS: This was a retrospective analysis of USGFNA of thyroid nodules over a 9-month period with and without telecytopathology. There was no randomization for selection of the groups with and without telepathologist. A single provider performed all the procedures. Real-time images of Diff Quik-stained cytology smears were obtained with an Olympus Digital camera attached to an Olympus CX41 microscope and transmitted via the Internet by a cytotechnologist to a pathologist, who communicated the preliminary diagnosis and sample adequacy. The unsatisfactory specimen rate was compared between a group whose images were transmitted (n = 45) and another group without onsite adequacy assessment (nontransmitted) (n = 47). RESULTS: A total of 92 nodules in 67 patients were aspirated with ultrasound guidance. The unsatisfactory sample rate in the transmitted group was 13% (6 out of 45) and that of the non-transmitted group was 23% (11 out of 47). In the transmitted group, the cytology specimens of 3 patients that were initially deemed inadequate by the pathologist were considered adequate after 2 additional passes. In the transmitted group, preliminary diagnosis concurred with the final diagnosis in 96% of cases. Four passes were made in the non-transmitted group, versus 2 passes in the transmitted group. CONCLUSION: Immediate assessment of USGFNA via telecytopathology assures adequacy of the cytology sample and may reduce number of passes per nodule. Preliminary onsite telecytopathology diagnosis was highly accurate when compared to final diagnosis.

Adherence to diabetes self care for white, African-American and Hispanic American telemedicine participants: 5 year results from the IDEATel project.

OBJECTIVES: Adherence to diabetes self care is poor for Hispanic American and African-American patients. This study examined the change in adherence over time and in response to a telemedicine intervention for elderly diabetes patients in these groups compared to white diabetes patients. We also examined whether adherence mediated the effect of the intervention on glycemic control (A1c). DESIGN: The Informatics for Diabetes Education and Telemedicine project randomized medically underserved Medicare patients (n=1665) to telemedicine case management (televideo educator visits, individualized goal-setting/problem solving) or usual care. Hispanic and African-American educators delivered the intervention in Spanish if needed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Annual assessment included A1c and self-reported adherence (Summary of Diabetes Self-Care Activities scale). A simple model (only time and group terms) and a model with covariates (e.g., age) were examined for baseline and 5 years of follow-up. SAS PROC Mixed was used with non-linear terms to examine mediating effects of adherence on A1c, by performing tests of the mediating path coefficients. RESULTS: Over time, self-reported adherence improved for the treatment group compared to usual care (p<0.001). There was no significant interaction with racial/ethnic group membership, i.e., all groups improved. However, minority subjects were consistently less adherent than whites. Also, greater comorbidity and diabetes symptoms predicted poorer adherence, greater duration of diabetes and more years of education predicted better adherence. Adherence was a significant mediator of A1c (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: A unique, tailored telemedicine intervention was effective in achieving improved adherence to diabetes self care. However, African-American and Hispanic American participants were less adherent than white participants at all time points despite an individualized and accessible intervention. The finding that adherence did mediate glycemic control suggests that unique interventions for minority groups may be needed to overcome this disparity.

Group diabetes education administered through telemedicine: tools used and lessons learned.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the use of telemedicine for teaching group diabetes education classes to individuals with diabetes mellitus in a rural medically underserved area. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Adults with diabetes from a rural area served by Oswego Hospital in upstate New York were asked to participate in this study. Volunteers received diabetes education through real-time teleconferencing (n=27) by joining age- and sex-matched patients from the Joslin Diabetes Center, Syracuse, NY, in our "Living with Diabetes Class" (n=39). The two 3-h sessions offered comprehensive diabetes education by a diabetes nurse educator, dietitian, and exercise physiologist. These sessions were followed in 3 months by a 3-h follow-up class. Each group receiving tele-education consisted of two or three patients with diabetes. RESULTS: The hemoglobin A1c test (a blood test that estimates the overall average glucose levels over the past 3 months) improved in the face-to-face and the telemedicine groups. There was no significant change in weight between groups. Each group had significant improvements in scores on the Problem Areas In Diabetes survey, which is a measure of emotional functioning in diabetes. Diabetes treatment satisfaction as measured in the Diabetes Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire improved in the face-to-face group but not in the telemedicine group. Although the face-to-face group had significantly higher scores in the Diabetes Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire, the telemedicine group was highly satisfied with the services provided. CONCLUSIONS: Telemedicine offers an effective alternative approach for providing group diabetes education to individuals with poor access to diabetes education programs.

Metformin monotherapy in youth with recent onset type 2 diabetes: experience from the prerandomization run-in phase of the TODAY study.

BACKGROUND: TODAY (Treatment Options for type 2 Diabetes in Adolescents and Youth) is a federally funded multicenter randomized clinical trial comparing three treatments of youth onset type 2 diabetes. OBJECTIVE: To describe the experience of youth participating in a 2-6 month run-in period in preparation for randomization into TODAY. SUBJECTS: An ethnically diverse sample of 927 youth, 65.4% females, aged 13.7 ± 2.0 yr old, with type 2 diabetes for a median of 2 months (0.7-7.8 months, 25th-75th percentiles). METHODS: A run-in period was conducted to achieve HbA1c <8% with metformin monotherapy and diabetes education, and to evaluate adherence to pill taking, visit attendance, and other procedures. RESULTS: At entry, mean body mass index (BMI) and z-BMI were 35.6 ± 7.7 and 2.3 ± 0.4, respectively, mean HbA1c was 7.7 ± 2.2%, only 42.5% were on a hypoglycemic treatment, and 35.6% had HbA1c ≥8%. Comorbid conditions were common; 18.8% had hypertension, 24.2% had elevated cholesterol, and 6.5% had abnormal liver enzymes. After a median 71 d of run-in, 90.9% had HbA1c <8%, 77.9% had HbA1c <7%, and 46.4% had HbA1c <6%. Of the 772 youth achieving the target HbA1c <8%, 704 (91.2%) were randomized; non-adherence to metformin treatment was the main cause for non-randomization. Youth proceeding to randomization decreased weight by 0.68 kg and HbA1c by 1.45% compared to a weight gain of 0.71 kg and HbA1c decrease of 0.74% in the non-randomized youth (p = 0.01 in both cases). However, change in z-BMI was not significantly different between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Most youth with recent onset type 2 diabetes can achieve target HbA1c <8.0% with short-term metformin monotherapy and standard diabetes education (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00081328).

Telecytopathology for rapid preliminary diagnosis of ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration of thyroid nodules.

BACKGROUND: Onsite evaluation of ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration (USGFNA) of thyroid nodules is essential to procure adequate samples and provide initial assessment. We present our experience with onsite evaluation of USGFNA of thyroid nodules using telecytopathology. METHODS: Real-time images of Diff-Quik-stained cytology smears were obtained with an Olympus Digital camera attached to an Olympus CX41 microscope and transmitted via ethernet by a cytotechnologist to a pathologist who rendered a preliminary diagnosis while communicating with an onsite cytotechnologist over the phone. Accuracy of preliminary diagnosis was compared with final diagnosis, retrospectively. RESULTS: A total of 79 patients (mean age 48.9 year) underwent USGFNA of 100 thyroid nodules. Preliminary diagnoses of benign, suspicious/malignant, and unsatisfactory were 72%, 7%, and 21%, respectively. Of the 72 cases initially reported as benign all remained benign on the final cytology. Of the seven suspicious/malignant cases on initial cytology, five were suspicious/malignant and two were benign on final cytology. Of the 21 cases that were initially interpreted as unsatisfactory only four were reclassified as benign on final diagnosis. The accuracy rate between the final cytology and preliminary telecytopathology diagnosis was 94%. Presence of additional material on Papanicolaou-stained slides and cellblock sections was the main reason for discrepancy that accounted for six discrepant cases. CONCLUSIONS: On-site telecytopathology for thyroid USGFNAs is highly accurate compared with final cytologic evaluation. It allows pathologists to use their time more efficiently and makes onsite evaluation at a remote site possible.

Glycemic control and health disparities in older ethnically diverse underserved adults with diabetes: five-year results from the Informatics for Diabetes Education and Telemedicine (IDEATel) study.

OBJECTIVE: The Informatics for Diabetes Education and Telemedicine (IDEATel) project randomized ethnically diverse underserved older adults with diabetes to a telemedicine intervention or usual care. Intervention participants had lower A1C levels over 5 years. New analyses were performed to help better understand this difference. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: IDEATel randomized Medicare beneficiaries with diabetes (n = 1,665) to receive home video visits with a diabetes educator and upload glucose levels every 4-6 weeks or usual care (2000-2007). Annual measurements included BMI, A1C (primary outcome), and completion of questionnaires. Mixed-model analyses were performed using random effects to adjust for clustering within primary care physicians. RESULTS: At baseline, A1C levels (mean ± SD) were 7.02 ± 1.25% in non-Hispanic whites (n = 821), 7.58 ± 1.78% in non-Hispanic blacks (n = 248), and 7.79 ± 1.68% in Hispanics (n = 585). Over time, lower A1C levels were associated with more glucose uploads (P = 0.02) and female sex (P = 0.002). Blacks, Hispanics, and insulin-users had higher A1C levels than non-Hispanic whites (P < 0.0001). BMI was not associated with A1C levels. Blacks and Hispanics had significantly fewer uploads than non-Hispanic whites over time. Hispanics had the highest baseline A1C levels and showed the greatest improvement in the intervention, but, unlike non-Hispanic whites, Hispanics did not achieve A1C levels <7.0% at 5 years. CONCLUSIONS: Racial/ethnic disparities were observed in this cohort of underserved older adults with diabetes. The IDEATel telemedicine intervention was associated with improvement in glycemic control, particularly in Hispanics, who had the highest baseline A1C levels, suggesting that telemedicine has the potential to help reduce disparities in diabetes management.

Lessened decline in physical activity and impairment of older adults with diabetes with telemedicine and pedometer use: results from the IDEATel study.

OBJECTIVE: to examine the effects of the Informatics for Diabetes Education and Telemedicine (IDEATel) telemedicine intervention and pedometer use on physical activity (PA) and impairment in older adults with diabetes. DESIGN: randomised clinical trial. Subjects ethnically diverse medically underserved Medicare beneficiaries with diabetes (n= 1,650). METHODS: participants received home videovisits with a diabetes educator every 4-6 weeks or usual care. All received a pedometer. Annual measurements included hemoglobin A1c, Comprehensive Assessment and Referral Evaluation Activities of Daily Living, Diabetes Self-Care Activities, Charlson Comorbidity Index, Luben Social Support and pedometer use. Mixed model analyses were performed using random effects to adjust for clustering within primary care physicians. RESULTS: in the telemedicine group compared with the usual care group, the rate of decline in PA (P= 0.0128) and physical impairment (PI) (P= 0.0370) was significantly less over time. Significant mean endpoint differences were observed for PA (P= 0.003). Pedometer use was significantly associated with PA (P= 0.0006) and PI (P< 0.0001). Baseline characteristics associated with greater PA included having fewer comorbid conditions (P= 0.0054), less depression (P< 0.0001), more social networking (P< 0.0001), lower BMI (P< 0.0001), male gender (P< 0.0001) and lower hemoglobin A1c level (P= 0.0045). Similar predictors were observed for PI, except duration of diabetes also predicted increased impairment (P< 0.0001). Significant indirect effects were observed through use of the pedometer on reduced decline in PA (P= 0.0024, 0.0013) and PI (P= 0.0024, P< 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: this telemedicine intervention reduced rates of decline in PA and impairment in older adults with diabetes. Pedometers may be a helpful inexpensive adjunct to diabetes initiatives delivered remotely with emerging technologies. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT 00271739.

Use of three computer training methods in elderly underserved rural patients enrolled in a diabetes telemedicine program.

A telephone survey of Medicare beneficiaries with diabetes living in rural underserved areas and enrolled in the Informatics for Diabetes Education and Telemedicine project identified 109 subjects who requested further training in functions of the home telemedicine unit after initial in-home training by regional nurse installers. The initial training provided the skills needed to videoconferences with nurse case managers and to transmit blood glucose and blood pressure readings, but further instruction was needed for access to Web-based education features and messaging. This study evaluated these elderly patients' perceptions of the helpfulness of three additional telemedicine training methods:in-home visit with an regional nurse installer referencing a user's manual, unassisted patient use of the user's manual, and telephone-based training not using regional nurse installers reinforcing the user's manual. Eligible subjects rated the helpfulness of the three computer training methods on a five-point Likert scale (1 = "not helpful at all," 5 = "very helpful"). Participants rated "in-home" training with an regional nurse installer significantly higher than they did for the user's manual alone (P < .01). In response to this finding and other companion usability studies, Informatics for Diabetes Education and Telemedicine deployed home telemedicine units with enhanced remote training capabilities to better emulate characteristics of in-person training.

Goal setting using telemedicine in rural underserved older adults with diabetes: experiences from the informatics for diabetes education and telemedicine project.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the use of telemedicine for setting goals for behavior change and examine the success in achieving these goals in rural underserved older adults with diabetes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Medicare beneficiaries with diabetes living in rural upstate New York who were enrolled in the telemedicine intervention of the Informatics for Diabetes Education and Telemedicine (IDEATel) project (n = 610) participated in home televisits with nurse and dietitian educators every 4-6 weeks for 2-6 years. Behavior change goals related to nutrition, physical activity, monitoring, diabetes health maintenance, and/or use of the home telemedicine unit were established at the conclusion of each televisit and assessed at the next visit. RESULTS: Collaborative goal setting was employed during 18,355 televisits (mean of 33 goal-setting televisits/participant). The most common goals were related to monitoring, followed by diabetes health maintenance, nutrition, exercise, and use of the telemedicine equipment. Overall, 68% of behavioral goals were rated as "improved" or "met." The greatest success was achieved for goals related to proper insulin injection technique and daily foot care. These elderly participants had the most difficulty achieving goals related to use of the computer. No gender differences in goal achievement were observed. CONCLUSION: Televisits can be successfully used to collaboratively establish behavior change goals to help improve diabetes self-management in underserved elderly rural adults.