Chase H et al. 2003 "Modem transmission of glucose values reduces the costs and need for clinic visits."
Reference
Chase H, Pearson J, Wightman C, et al. Modem transmission of glucose values reduces the costs and need for clinic visits. Diabetes Care 2003;26(5):1475.
Abstract
"OBJECTIVE: To determine whether modem technology allows for effective management of type 1 diabetes when used in lieu of a clinic visit. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: A total of 70 adolescent patients with diabetes were prospectively randomized to either a control group or a modem group. Control group patients continued the standard of care of quarterly clinic visits, and modem group patients were instructed to transmit blood glucose data every 2 weeks for 6 months instead of a usual quarterly clinic visit. Health care providers analyzed the data received by modem and contacted patients to discuss diabetes treatment changes. GHbA(1c) levels were determined at 0 and 6 months, and the number of high and low blood glucose levels and adverse events were tracked. Clinic visit costs, patient expenses, and health care provider times were tracked for cost analysis for both groups. RESULTS: A total of 63 patients (33 control, 30 modem) completed the 6-month study. The GHbA(1c) values significantly decreased in both groups, with no statistically significant difference between groups (P = 0.96). The occurrence of mild-to-moderate hypoglycemic events were similar in the two groups, and there were no severe hypoglycemic events. The average cost of care for a clinic visit was $305.00, whereas the cost for 6 months of modem transmission was $163.00. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that electronic transmission of blood glucose levels and other diabetes data every 2 weeks-in lieu of a clinic visit-results in a similar level of glucose control and incidence of acute diabetes complications when compared with current standard care."
Objective
"To determine whether modem technology allows for effective management of type 1 diabetes when used in lieu of a clinic visit."
Tools Used
Type Clinic
Specialty care
Type Specific
Diabetes care (pediatric and young adult)
Size
Small and/or medium
Geography
Urban
Type of Health IT
Electronic data transmission
Type of Health IT Functions
The system electronically transmitted blood glucose information via modem.
Workflow-Related Findings
"The use of modem technology for biweekly communication of blood glucose results and other diabetes-related information to a health care provider was shown to be a viable alternative to clinic visits every 3 months."
"The cost analysis for biweekly transmission of blood glucose data, compared with standard care of clinic visits every 3 months, indicated that the using the modem to transmit data was more cost-effective than standard care." Part of the reduction in cost was attributable to most modem transmission being handled by nurses, in comparison to physician costs included in the cost of a clinic visit. The reduction in overhead costs was also a factor. The savings of clinic space and of physician time were considered a benefit for the care providers.
"The degree of patient satisfaction was similar in both groups, with both groups indicating high satisfaction."
Study Design
Only postintervention with intervention and control groups
Study Participants
The study participants included a total of 63 adolescents aged 15-20 years (control group N=33, intervention group N=30), diagnosed with type 1 diabetes for at least one year.