A clinical pharmacist and health coach-delivered mobile health intervention has been found to significantly improve blood glucose levels in African American and Latinx populations, according to a recent study published online.
The study, conducted by researchers from the University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, aimed to assess the effectiveness of mobile health tools in reducing hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels among patients with type 2 diabetes.
The analysis included 221 African American or Latinx patients with type 2 diabetes and elevated HbA1c levels. These patients, aged between 21 and 75 years, received mHealth diabetes support for one year while continuing with their usual diabetes care. The order of intervention was randomly assigned to the participants. The researchers compared the changes in HbA1c levels between the intervention group and the usual care group.
The results of the study showed promising outcomes. In the initial 12 months, the intervention group experienced a mean reduction of −0.79 percentage points in HbA1c, whereas the usual care group only saw −0.24 percentage points (treatment effect, −0.62).
In the second year, when the intervention group switched, there was a significant improvement in HbA1c levels in the control group after receiving the same intervention (mean change, −0.57 percentage points). The first intervention group also maintained the benefits, with a mean change of 0.17 percentage points during the second year.
The researchers highlight the importance of this mobile health intervention in reducing racial and ethnic disparities in diabetes care. African American and Latinx populations are at a greater risk of developing diabetes complications than non-Latinx White adults. By implementing this strategy, healthcare providers can effectively address the disparities and improve outcomes for these vulnerable populations.
The mobile health intervention in this study included clinical pharmacists and health coaches who delivered support and assistance using mobile health tools. These tools allowed for enhanced monitoring and management of blood glucose levels, facilitating better control of diabetes. The combination of healthcare professionals’ guidance and technological support proved to be highly effective in reducing HbA1c levels.
Although this study yielded promising results, it is essential to acknowledge that the two authors disclosed ties to the pharmaceutical industry. While this may raise concerns about potential biases, the study’s overall findings remain significant in showcasing the potential of mobile health interventions to improve diabetes care.
The findings of this study provide valuable insights for healthcare providers, especially those who cater to African-American and Latinx populations. By adopting similar mobile health interventions, providers can empower patients to manage their diabetes better and improve their overall health outcomes.
Additionally, this approach has the potential to address the existing disparities in diabetes care and lead to more equitable healthcare access and outcomes for all patients.
As technology advances, integrating mobile health interventions as part of routine diabetes care may become more commonplace. However, it is crucial to ensure that these interventions are accessible to all, regardless of socioeconomic status or technological literacy.
Further research is needed to explore the long-term effects of such interventions and their scalability to more extensive and diverse populations.
In conclusion, the study’s findings demonstrate that a mobile health intervention delivered by clinical pharmacists and health coaches can significantly improve blood glucose levels in African-American and Latinx populations.
By leveraging mobile health tools, healthcare providers can bridge the gap in diabetes care and reduce racial and ethnic disparities. This innovative approach promotes patient empowerment and can potentially enhance overall health outcomes for these vulnerable populations.
Sources:
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1449397/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8742712/